What was the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact was significant as it served as the first governing document of Plymouth Colony, created by the Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620. This document established a form of self-governance based on majority rule and was signed by male passengers of the ship. The Compact reflected the Pilgrims' commitment to create a civil society and laid the groundwork for the establishment of the colony’s legal structure. It is often regarded as an important milestone in the development of democratic governance in America, as it emphasized the idea of consent and cooperation among the settlers.

This foundational document was crucial in ensuring that the settlers could govern themselves and make decisions on their own, rather than adhering to the authority of the English crown while they were far from home. It demonstrated the Pilgrims' desire for a cooperative social contract and helped maintain order and unity in the new colony during its early and challenging days.