The Governor of Plymouth
William Bradford was one of the Pilgrims to arrive on the Mayflower to North America in 1620.
When Plymouth's first governor John Carver died, Bradford was elected unanimously. He served as governor of Plymouth for more than thirty years.
Read the article "Bradford, William" to find out more about Bradford.
The Mayflower Compact was an agreement that gave Pilgrims permission to stay together when they arrived in New England and provided for majority rule among settlers.
Read an excerpt from the Mayflower Compact.
King James granted them permission to settle further south near the Hudson River; however, they chose to stay where they landed. Forty-one of the 102 Pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower were known as Separatists.
Read an excerpt from Bradford's memoir Of Plymouth Plantation about the Mayflower Compact.
The Mayflower Compact
Answer the following questions.
For whom was the Mayflower Compact created?
Answer: It was for the Pilgrims; it was their constitution in the New World.
What do you think would have happened if the Pilgrims didn’t have the compact?
Answer: They may have fought too much; therefore, the colony would crumble
What characteristics can be taken from the Mayflower Compact that connects it to our present document, the United States Constitution?
Answer: The Compact and Constitution are similar because they both organized people into a politcal boy. The documents let the people create just and equal laws for everyone to obey.
Of Plymouth Plantation
Of Plymouth Plantation provides its readers with first-hand information about the Mayflower voyage, the Plymouth Colony, Indian friends and foes, and explorations.
Read an excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation.
Of Plymouth PlantationAnswer the following questions.
What hardships did the Pilgrims endure?
Answer: Half of their company died becasue of the harsh winter and scurvy.
How were the early relations between the Pilgrims and the Indians?
Answer: The Indians would steal their tools; then Samaset and Squanto spoke to them, brought their tools back, adn made friends.
Why did so many people die during the winter of 1621?
Answer: They wren't prepared for the harsh conditions of the weather and lack of food.
Why do you think Bradford wrote this mostly in 3rd person point of view?
Answer: Bradfor may have wanted to place emphasis on the community rather than himself. However, he does use first person pronouns to indicate that he was one of the sick.