In this Grade 5 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies Chapter 3, students explore why the Pilgrims sought religious freedom in the New World and how they established the Plymouth Colony in 1620. Students examine key concepts including the Mayflower Compact as an early framework for self-government in colonial North America, the role of Squanto in the Pilgrims' survival, and the hardships colonists faced during their first winter. The lesson also introduces the broader New England colonial timeline, including Puritan settlement, the Pequot War, and King Philip's War.
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
Colonists Create Their Own Rules
When the Pilgrims arrived in a new land, they had no government or laws to guide them. To keep order and help the colony succeed, the men gathered aboard their ship to create a plan.
They wrote and then signed in November 1620 an agreement called the Mayflower Compact. This document was a promise to work together and create fair laws for everyone to follow. The signers also agreed to obey the laws and the leaders that the group would choose.
Section 3
Puritans Build a Religious Society
In 1630, the Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony to build a perfect Christian community.
They called it a "city upon a hill" because they hoped it would be an example for the whole world to see. Religion was the most important part of their lives.
Section 4
Puritans Punish Dissenters
The Puritans built a society with strict religious rules for everyone. They did not allow people to question their leaders or the church.
Some colonists, like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, spoke out against these rules. Because they disagreed, Puritan leaders banished them from the colony.
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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
Colonists Create Their Own Rules
When the Pilgrims arrived in a new land, they had no government or laws to guide them. To keep order and help the colony succeed, the men gathered aboard their ship to create a plan.
They wrote and then signed in November 1620 an agreement called the Mayflower Compact. This document was a promise to work together and create fair laws for everyone to follow. The signers also agreed to obey the laws and the leaders that the group would choose.
Section 3
Puritans Build a Religious Society
In 1630, the Puritans founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony to build a perfect Christian community.
They called it a "city upon a hill" because they hoped it would be an example for the whole world to see. Religion was the most important part of their lives.
Section 4
Puritans Punish Dissenters
The Puritans built a society with strict religious rules for everyone. They did not allow people to question their leaders or the church.
Some colonists, like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, spoke out against these rules. Because they disagreed, Puritan leaders banished them from the colony.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter