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Introduction
Introduction
In 1620, an English ship of pilgrims, The Mayflower, sailed to the New World. Although it was not their intended destination, they landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. The Mayflower Compact was a document signed on November 11, 1620 by the pilgrims to enact a foundation for government for the newly settling colony. This document was used to bind the signers to obey the governing rules and legal systems of Plymouth Colony. The Mayflower Compact document was in effect for 71 years from 1620 until 1691.
Leading Up to the Mayflower Compact
Leading Up to the Mayflower Compact
On August 15, 1620, the Mayflower set sail for Northern Virginia. Prior to leaving England, the pilgrims had a contract with the Virginia Trade Company (chartered by King James I). The agreement was that the pilgrims would land in Virginia and the company would give them a ship and land to settle near the Hudson River. Profits from the settlement would go to the company. Their reason for travel was to separate from the Church of England to practice Puritanism and escape religious persecution. The ship also carried passengers who weren’t looking to escape persecution but wanted a fresh start and new job opportunities in a new land. However, due to rough seas, the ship veered from its initial destination of Virginia and landed instead in Massachusetts. Because Massachusetts was out of the Virginia Company’s jurisdiction, the pilgrims were unable to retrieve the ship they were promised, and this put a lot of strain on their travels. The English Separatists were sanctimonious to the other travelers because of their religious beliefs, and the conflict with the Virginia trade company further deepened tensions between the groups of travelers. As a result, pilgrim leaders such as William Bradford drafted and signed the Mayflower Compact on November 11, 1620. This was a document designed to maintain order while waiting for permission to settle there and establish a colony. It would soon become an essential governing document for years to follow once Plymouth Colony was established.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Benefits & Drawbacks
The Mayflower Compact established a government and legal system by which Puritans of Plymouth colony would live. It benefited their society in that it provided them a sense of unity and strength after the chaos of the voyage. It also created a democracy-based government, meaning that the government was based on the needs and wants of the governed. These conditions heavily contrasted with England, who had a monarchy at the time, which is also something the Puritans were trying to escape. The document was meant to establish a sense of organization while waiting to hear back gaining permission to settle in Massachusetts. Also, a long-term benefit is that it established the New World’s first written Constitution, and many countries and states have based their constitutions off similar ideologies.
The Mayflower Compact also had its setbacks. While the document’s purpose was to quell the tension and pressure among the pilgrims, it served no purpose in actually gaining permission to settle. This was widely known, so while the signers of the document had the intention of pacifying these complications among the population, many struggled and feared for the future. Those who came on the ship in hopes for new job opportunities were also dismayed because the future of their settlement land was uncertain. Ultimately, the governing document lasted about 71 years, ending in 1691 when Plymouth Colony became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Significance
Significance
The Mayflower Compact is known as the first governing document of the New World. Its impact is still pertinent today, as it set a foundation for many modern-day governing documents as well. It also influenced important documents in United States history, such as the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, as well as many US State Constitutions. It set the precedent for the establishment of a democratic government based on the accord of the governed. It inspired simple but powerful ideals, such as being part of a “civil body politick for our better ordering and preservation.” They indicated their loyalty to the King while also establishing their need and capability of self-government. This document is significant to learn about because it sparked the idea of a democratic government in the New World.
References
References
History.com Editors. (2023, July 29). Mayflower Compact. Mayflower Compact - Definition, Purpose & Significance | HISTORY. Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/mayflower-compact
Hoagland, L. (2015, November 24). Blog Post - The Mayflower Compact. Mass.gov. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.mass.gov/news/the-mayflower-compact
Independence Hall Association. (1995). Mayflower Compact. USHistory.org. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.ushistory.org/documents/mayflower.htm
Mark, J. J., & Neill, E. (2020, October 29). Mayflower Compact. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.worldhistory.org/Mayflower_Compact/
Mayflower Compact | Summary, Background, Significance, & Facts. (2024, February 26). Britannica. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mayflower-Compact
Vile, J. R. (2009, January 1). Mayflower Compact | The Free Speech Center. Free Speech Center. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/mayflower-compact/
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