The Mayflower

1
The Mayflower
2
Separatists

• In 1606 a group of people called the Separatists
  lived in England.
• They prayed secretly since King James did not
  allow their religion in England.
• They moved to Holland for freedom but were afraid
  their children would loose their heritage.
• When they heard of the New World, they wanted to
  go.

3
What did they do?

• In 1620, the Separatists went back to England so
  they could sail to the New World.
• The Separatists meet with the businessmen of the
  Virginia Company and made a deal.
• The Separatists would go to the New World and
  work for the businessmen for 7 years by cutting
  wood and gathering fur.
• After 7 years, they voyage would be paid for.

4
The Trip on the Mayflower

• Soon the dock was filled with people. Some
  people like John Billington brought their
  families. They were leaving for religious
  reasons. Others were alone and were going
  because they could not find work in England.
  People brought the little they owned. Many of
  them were sure they would never see England again!

5
The Trip on the Mayflower

• Many of the passengers brought tools, cooking
  pans, and bedding. They also tried to bring a
  fishing boat. They had to saw it into 4 pieces
  to get it on the Mayflower.
• The Separatists learned about other people who
  were on the ship. One adventurer was Myles
  Standish. He was a soldier and brought guns to
  protect people from the Native Americans.

6
The Mayflower Sets Sail

• On Sept. 6, 1620, the Mayflower set sail. The
  women looked for places to set up places for
  their families to sleep. There were not enough
  bunks so hammocks were set up. Some even slept
  on the floor!
• Even though the ship was crowded, the Separatist
  Pilgrims prayed and sang every morning.

7
The Mayflower at Sea

• Women cooked on the deck when weather permitted.
  If it was too windy the captain would not allow
  it. He was afraid the ship could be set on fire!
  On bad days, the Pilgrims had to eat cold, dry
  food.
• It was icy cold weather in October and the
  Mayflower hit many storms. The rain ran through
  the ship and soaked the Pilgrims bed, food,
  clothes and them!

8
The Mayflower Sights Land

• After some time at sea, land was spotted. The
  women were ready to go ashore but the men were
  busy signing an agreement. Since they were going
  to a land with no laws, they decided they needed
  to make their own. They agreed on laws that
  would be good for all Pilgrims. The men signed
  the Mayflower Compact.

9
The Mayflower Compact

• The Mayflower Compact was a new idea during the
  time of monarch rule.
• It provided laws that were good for all. This is
  similar to our class constitution.
• It also included the idea of majority rule. Just
  like we vote in class, the most votes for
  something is chosen.

10
The Pilgrims Settle Down

• After several weeks of searching for a
  prosperous location, the Pilgrims decided on a
  harbor location.
• There was fresh water and fertile land.
• John Smith named the place Plymouth years before.
• Have you every heard of Plymouth Rock?

11
Important Facts

• A pilgrim is a person who makes a journey for
  religious reasons.
• The Pilgrims left for the New World for religious
  reasons and to keep their heritage and culture.
• The Mayflower Compact was a document of laws for
  the people to follow.