Pilgrims

Definition

Pilgrims were a group of English settlers who sought religious freedom in the early 17th century, most notably known for their journey on the Mayflower to North America in 1620. They established the Plymouth Colony and played a key role in the spread of Reformed traditions, particularly through their adherence to Calvinism and their desire for a purer form of worship than what they experienced in England.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pilgrims were part of a larger movement seeking religious freedom from the Church of England, which they felt was corrupt and not true to Biblical teachings.
2. Upon arriving in North America, they established Plymouth Colony, which became one of the first successful English colonies in the New World.
3. The Pilgrims celebrated one of the first Thanksgiving feasts in 1621 with the Wampanoag tribe, highlighting early cooperation between Native Americans and European settlers.
4. Their journey was fraught with hardship, including rough seas, disease, and a harsh winter that led to significant loss of life during their first year.
5. The influence of Pilgrim values contributed to the development of American ideals such as individual liberty and self-governance, laying groundwork for future democratic principles.

Review Questions

• How did the Pilgrims' beliefs influence their journey and settlement in North America?
  • The Pilgrims' strong desire for religious freedom deeply influenced their decision to leave England and seek a new life in North America. They were motivated by Calvinist principles and aimed to establish a community where they could practice their faith without persecution. This quest for spiritual autonomy led them to create Plymouth Colony, which became a haven for those seeking similar freedoms, ultimately shaping early American identity.
• Compare and contrast the Pilgrims and Puritans in terms of their motivations and approaches to religious reform.
  • While both the Pilgrims and Puritans sought to escape religious persecution and aimed for a more sincere practice of Christianity, their approaches differed significantly. The Pilgrims chose to separate completely from the Church of England, viewing it as irredeemable. In contrast, Puritans sought to reform it from within. This fundamental difference led to varied practices and community structures in their respective colonies, influencing how they interacted with other groups in New England.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Pilgrims' settlement on American society and governance.
  • The Pilgrims' settlement at Plymouth Colony had profound long-term effects on American society and governance. Their establishment of self-governing principles through documents like the Mayflower Compact introduced concepts of democracy and collective decision-making that would later influence American political thought. Additionally, their emphasis on religious liberty set a precedent for future generations, contributing significantly to America's foundational values regarding individual rights and freedoms.

Related terms

Mayflower Compact: The Mayflower Compact was an agreement created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower that established a form of self-government and a commitment to work together for the good of the colony.

Calvinism:

Calvinism is a branch of Protestant theology based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the necessity of grace through faith.

Puritans: Puritans were a group of English Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England from within, sharing similar beliefs with the Pilgrims but differing in their approach to reforming church practices.