The pilgrims created the mayflower compact when they were anchored off the shore of Massachusetts. Why did the not create a government before leaving england?

Answer 1

The Pilgrims did not create a government before leaving England primarily because they were not able to freely practice their religious beliefs within the Church of England. The Pilgrims were a Separatist group who believed in separating from the Church of England and forming their own congregations. However, their Separatist views were not tolerated, leading to persecution and even imprisonment in England.

Therefore, they decided to leave England and seek religious freedom elsewhere. They first moved to the Netherlands, but they faced challenges there as well, including cultural differences and economic struggles. In addition, they feared losing their English identity and their children assimilating into Dutch culture. These difficulties ultimately compelled them to seek a new life in North America.

During their preparations to journey to the New World, they did not possess the legal authority to establish a formal government in England. Furthermore, the Pilgrims were bound by the terms of their agreement with the financial backers of their voyage, known as the Merchant Adventurers. This agreement required them to establish a colony under the royal charter issued by King James I, which meant they were not authorized to create a government until they reached their destination.

Upon their arrival in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620, and while they were anchored offshore, they realized they had to create a system of governance to maintain order and ensure the survival of their community. This led them to draft and sign the Mayflower Compact, a document that established a temporary form of self-government. The compact was a social contract among the settlers, outlining their agreement to form a civil body politic and abide by laws passed for the general good of the colony. It was an important step towards the establishment of democratic principles and self-rule in the New World.