The Pilgrim Fathers

Who were the Pilgrim Fathers?

The Pilgrim Fathers were early colonists in America, who played a role in the founding of America.

Where did the Pilgrim Fathers migrate from and to?

The Pilgrim Fathers migrated from England, and went to the new colonies in America, where they founded the Plymouth Colony.

When did the Pilgrim Fathers migrate?

The Pilgrim Fathers migrated to America in 1620.

Why did the Pilgrim Fathers migrate?

The Pilgrim Fathers migrated for religious reasons and because of government action.

• ❖ The Pilgrim Fathers were Puritans, who were extreme Protestants. Although England was a Protestant country, Puritans were still persecuted because of their extreme views.
• ❖ Because the colonies in the New World were so new, and there was plenty of unclaimed land, the Pilgrim Fathers felt they would be able to practise their religion freely in America.

What did the Pilgrim Fathers do?

The Pilgrim Fathers' voyage to America has become part of the 'American legend', an important part of America's history.

• ❖ They sailed to America on the Mayflower. Not all the passengers were Puritans, but there were a sizeable number of them.
• ❖ They established their own religious colony in an area called 'New Plymouth'. They intended to develop trade with other colonies.
• ❖ During the voyage they signed the 'Mayflower Compact', which was an agreement about how the colony would be run. The Compact created a form of democratic government.
• ❖ The success of the Pilgrim Fathers led to more persecuted Christians migrating to America. 20,000 arrived in America between 1629 and 1640.

What was the significance of the Pilgrim Fathers?

There are 3 key reasons for the significance of the Pilgrim Fathers:

• ❖ The Plymouth Colony was the first permanent, successful English colony in America.
• ❖ The Pilgrim Fathers encouraged other persecuted minorities to migrate to America, to seek a new life where they could worship freely.
• ❖ The Mayflower Compact, which created an early form of democracy, was used as the foundation for the US Constitution. As such, the Pilgrim Fathers are considered among the 'founding fathers' of the USA.