Part1: Chapter 1, They Knew They Were Pilgrims Summary and Analysis

The Mayflower was ten weeks into the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. It was November and the voyage was to have been completed during the summer, but circumstances had delayed them. There were 102 people onboard. They were out of firewood and their water and beer was almost gone. The voyage had been miserable, with storms, ship repairs, and sickness.

The colonists were an unusual group. They consisted of families who sought religious freedom in the New World and were willing to endure the crossing to get it. The goal had begun in Leiden, Holland with a group of English Puritans. They rebelled against the Church of England and left the church, an illegal act in those days. The group was also known as Separatists and they were a radical...