Social Studies: The Pilgrims – Mayflower Compact
In September 1620, religious dissenters, called “Separatists” by their detractors, were joined aboard the Mayflower by other English colonists recruited by the project’s financial backers. Many of these newcomers did not share the Separatists’ religious zeal. With tensions threatening to divide the passengers, a social compact was drafted and signed before going ashore. All signers would submit to the government created, officers elected, and laws drafted.
