Plymouth

Definition

Plymouth was a settlement established by English colonists in 1620, located on the coast of present-day Massachusetts. It is historically significant as the site of the Pilgrims' landing and the establishment of one of the first successful colonies in New England, which laid the groundwork for subsequent Puritan migration and the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plymouth was founded by a group of about 100 Pilgrims who left England seeking religious freedom and arrived in North America aboard the Mayflower.
2. The settlement is famous for its early harvest celebration, now recognized as Thanksgiving, which involved cooperation between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, notably the Wampanoag tribe.
3. The Pilgrims at Plymouth established a form of self-governance through the Mayflower Compact, emphasizing majority rule and collective decision-making.
4. Plymouth Colony became a significant model for future colonies, influencing Puritan settlers who migrated to Massachusetts Bay after it was established.
5. The colony faced severe challenges including harsh winters, food shortages, and conflicts with local Native American tribes, yet managed to survive and lay foundations for future New England settlements.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of Plymouth influence later colonial settlements in New England?
  • The establishment of Plymouth set a precedent for self-governance and religious freedom that influenced later colonial settlements. The Mayflower Compact showcased a commitment to democratic principles among settlers, which encouraged similar practices in neighboring colonies. As Puritan migration increased towards Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth's governance model served as an example of how to create stable communities that valued both individual rights and collective responsibilities.
• Discuss the significance of the Mayflower Compact in relation to governance in Plymouth Colony and its impact on future colonies.
  • The Mayflower Compact was significant because it represented one of the first agreements for self-governance in America. It outlined a framework for political organization based on majority rule and collective decision-making among settlers. This early democratic practice influenced future colonies in establishing their own governance structures, emphasizing community involvement and laying foundations for American democratic traditions.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by Plymouth Colony and how these shaped its development compared to other New England settlements.
  • Plymouth Colony faced numerous challenges such as harsh weather conditions, food shortages, and relations with local Native American tribes. These hardships forced the settlers to adapt quickly, fostering resilience and cooperation within their community. Unlike other New England settlements that were often more economically motivated or better supported by larger groups, Plymouth's struggle for survival instilled a strong sense of community and purpose among its inhabitants, which defined its legacy as a cornerstone of early American history.

Related terms

Pilgrims: The English settlers who traveled to America on the Mayflower seeking religious freedom and who founded Plymouth Colony.

Mayflower Compact:

A governing document created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a basic form of democracy and self-governance for the Plymouth Colony.

Massachusetts Bay Colony:

A neighboring colony established by Puritans in 1630 that expanded upon the religious freedom principles initiated by the Pilgrims in Plymouth.