In this Grade 5 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, students explore the key events behind the establishment of English colonies in New England, focusing on the Separatists and Puritans who sought religious freedom from the Church of England. Students learn how 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower became known as Pilgrims, and how the Mayflower Compact created a framework for self-government through town meetings. The lesson also covers the Pilgrims' settlement at Plymouth and their alliance with the Wampanoag people under Chief Massasoit.
Section 1
Why the Pilgrims and Puritans Came to America
In the 1600s, the king of England required everyone to follow the rules of the official church. Some groups disagreed with these rules and faced punishment, or religious persecution, for their beliefs.
Two of these groups were the Pilgrims and the Puritans.
Section 2
The Pilgrims Establish Plymouth Colony
The Pilgrims needed money for their journey to America, so they made a deal with English investors. These investors paid for the voyage in exchange for a share of the goods the colony would produce. In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship called the Mayflower.
The ship landed in present-day Massachusetts, where the colonists established Plymouth Colony. They arrived too late in the year to plant crops. The first winter was brutally cold, and the Pilgrims had little food or proper shelter. Many grew sick, and nearly half of them died.
Section 3
Colonists Establish Self-Government
Before leaving their ship in November 1620, the Pilgrims knew they needed rules to survive. They were outside the control of England's government. The men signed the Mayflower Compact, a document where they promised to create "just and equal laws" for the good of their new colony.
This agreement was an early form of self-government, allowing the colonists to rule themselves. Later, this idea led to New England town meetings, where male colonists met to vote on laws and solve community problems.
Section 4
Pilgrims and Wampanoag Form an Alliance
After a difficult first winter in Plymouth, many Pilgrims had died. They struggled to find food and build a new society.
In the spring of 1621, the Pilgrims met the Wampanoag people. The Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, made an agreement with the colonists for peace and mutual protection.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Why the Pilgrims and Puritans Came to America
In the 1600s, the king of England required everyone to follow the rules of the official church. Some groups disagreed with these rules and faced punishment, or religious persecution, for their beliefs.
Two of these groups were the Pilgrims and the Puritans.
Section 2
The Pilgrims Establish Plymouth Colony
The Pilgrims needed money for their journey to America, so they made a deal with English investors. These investors paid for the voyage in exchange for a share of the goods the colony would produce. In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship called the Mayflower.
The ship landed in present-day Massachusetts, where the colonists established Plymouth Colony. They arrived too late in the year to plant crops. The first winter was brutally cold, and the Pilgrims had little food or proper shelter. Many grew sick, and nearly half of them died.
Section 3
Colonists Establish Self-Government
Before leaving their ship in November 1620, the Pilgrims knew they needed rules to survive. They were outside the control of England's government. The men signed the Mayflower Compact, a document where they promised to create "just and equal laws" for the good of their new colony.
This agreement was an early form of self-government, allowing the colonists to rule themselves. Later, this idea led to New England town meetings, where male colonists met to vote on laws and solve community problems.
Section 4
Pilgrims and Wampanoag Form an Alliance
After a difficult first winter in Plymouth, many Pilgrims had died. They struggled to find food and build a new society.
In the spring of 1621, the Pilgrims met the Wampanoag people. The Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, made an agreement with the colonists for peace and mutual protection.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter