The Mayflower and Plymouth Colony: A New Beginning
In 1620, a group of English people called the Pilgrims traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to North America. Their journey was difficult and risky, but it became one of the most famous stories in early American history. The Pilgrims sailed on a ship called the Mayflower, and they later created a settlement called Plymouth Colony.
The Pilgrims left England because they wanted religious freedom. At that time, the government controlled the church, and people who disagreed with the official religion could be punished. The Pilgrims wanted to worship in their own way. Some of them moved to the Netherlands first, but life there was not easy. They worried about jobs, language, and their children losing English culture. Finally, they decided to start a new life in America.
In September 1620, about 102 passengers boarded the Mayflower. The ship was crowded, and the trip took about two months. Storms made the ocean dangerous, and many people became sick. The Pilgrims planned to go to Virginia, but the weather pushed their ship north. In November 1620, they reached land near Cape Cod in present-day Massachusetts.
Before leaving the ship, the Pilgrims signed an agreement called the Mayflower Compact. In this document, they promised to make laws and work together for the good of the group. This idea of cooperation and self-government was important for the colony’s survival.
The Pilgrims chose a place to build their settlement and named it Plymouth. The first winter was terrible. They did not have enough food, and their shelters were weak. The weather was cold, and disease spread easily. More than half of the settlers died during that first winter.
In the spring, help came from local Native Americans. A man named Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn, catch fish, and use the land. With this help, the Pilgrims had a better harvest. In 1621, they shared a large meal with Native Americans to celebrate. Today, many people connect this meal to the story of the first Thanksgiving.
Plymouth Colony was not the biggest colony, but it became very important. The Pilgrims’ story is remembered because it shows how people searched for freedom, worked together, and survived in a new place.
Vocabulary List
Try to understand these words from the article. Click the speaker to hear the word.
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Pilgrims
People who travel to a new place for religious reasons or freedom.Example: The Pilgrims traveled to America to practice their religion freely.
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Religious freedom
The right to practice your religion without punishment.Example: They wanted religious freedom, so they left England.
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Atlantic Ocean
The ocean between Europe and North America.Example: The Mayflower crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
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Crowded
Full of people; not much space.Example: The ship was crowded, and people slept close together.
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Settlement
A place where people build homes and start a community.Example: Plymouth was a settlement built by the Pilgrims.
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Agreement
A plan or promise that people accept and follow.Example: The Mayflower Compact was an agreement to work together.
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Self-government
When people make their own rules and leaders instead of being controlled by others.Example: The Pilgrims practiced self-government in their colony.
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Shelter
A safe place to stay, especially from weather.Example: They needed better shelter for the cold winter.
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Harvest
The act of collecting crops (food) after they grow.Example: A good harvest helped the colony survive.
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Celebrate
To do something special to show happiness about an event.Example: They celebrated after a successful harvest.
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Survive
To stay alive during a difficult situation.Example: With help, the Pilgrims survived the first year.
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Influence
The power to affect how something develops or changes.Example: Plymouth Colony had a strong influence on later history.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the article.
- Why did the Pilgrims leave England?
- What was the name of the ship they traveled on?
- Where did the Mayflower land in 1620?
- What was the Mayflower Compact?
- What made the first winter in Plymouth so difficult?
- Who helped the Pilgrims learn how to grow food and survive?
- What happened after the Pilgrims had a successful harvest in 1621?
- Why is Plymouth Colony remembered today?