Mayflower Compact Research Paper

In 1620, one hundred and two Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower, hoping that they would make a new start in America. The Pilgrims came from England, and after many days of searching, they found the Cape Cod Harbor. Once they found an area with the necessities of living, they settled and named it Plymouth Colony. While on the Mayflower, the Mayflower Compact was written and signed by the men on board. This document provided structure for self-government, and it was the origin for American politics today. U.S. History began with the Mayflower Compact because it is the foundation of how America is governed throughout its history.

The way in which a country is governed is one of the most important ways of how a nation is defined and where its history

begins. America is defined as a democracy, which the Mayflower Compact initially started. The purpose of the the document was to keep order and establish a civil society in the Pilgrim villages. The Mayflower Compact states: “...do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and of one another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together in a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices from time to time...” (Mayflower Compact, 1620). The Mayflower Compact helped unite the Pilgrims by giving them a political voice and allowing the people to make decisions (Reference). This made the people satisfied and comfortable with the way everything was running, so the ideology carried into the 21st century, as we still have a democracy today. Although there were many settlers before the Mayflower arrived to America, the Pilgrims were the one who really contributed, made an impact, and helped shape the government that we have today.
In conclusion, the Mayflower Compact was the start of U.S. History because it was the backbone of the laws and government in America. It allowed for a civilized society, where everyone’s voices are heard and opinions are taken into account. When the Pilgrims were on the Mayflower, they were very separated by religion and despised the other culture. However, the Mayflower Compact united the Pilgrims and gave them a connection to bond over. Also, without the Mayflower Compact, the American government today could have a different structure, and might not even be a democracy. Therefore, the Mayflower Compact was the key document that defined the United States and its history.