Mayflower Compact Notes

Motivations and Challenges of Early Settlers

• Pilgrims sought religious freedom in America due to persecution in the 1600s.
• They initially went to the Netherlands but left because their children began adopting Dutch customs.

The Mayflower Journey

• The Mayflower set sail in 1620 with approximately 40 Pilgrims.
• They intended to settle north of Jamestown, near the Hudson River, but couldn't due to difficulties.

Mayflower Compact

• Passengers argued about how the new settlement would be governed.
• The Mayflower Compact was created to establish self-government.
• 41 men signed the Mayflower Compact.
• They promised loyalty to the King of England and agreed to create a self-governing society.
• John Carver was elected as their first governor.
• The Mayflower Compact established self-government and inspired future American governments.

Social Contract

• Social Contract: An agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.
• Colonists promised to cooperate for their survival, order, and success.

Critical Thinking

• The Mayflower's journey occurred in 1620.
• The Mayflower Compact is a social contract.