Why did the pilgrims leave England
The Pilgrims left England due to religious persecution. They were a group of English Separatists who wanted to separate from the Church of England and establish their own independent congregation. However, they faced persecution and were not allowed to practice their faith freely in England. Seeking religious freedom, they decided to leave England and settle in the New World (America).
The Pilgrims left England for various reasons, including religious persecution and the desire for religious freedom. Here are the steps that led to their departure:
1. Religious dissent: The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who broke away from the Church of England due to their dissatisfaction with its practices. They believed in a simpler form of worship, free from the influence of the Church hierarchy.
2. Persecution: The Pilgrims faced persecution and harassment by the English authorities, as their beliefs went against the established religious order. They were seen as a threat to the unity and authority of the Church of England.
3. Escape to the Netherlands: In search of religious freedom, a group of Pilgrims, known as the Scrooby Congregation, emigrated to the Netherlands in 1608. They settled in the city of Leiden, where they found relative religious tolerance and freedom.
4. Economic challenges: While the Pilgrims experienced religious freedom in the Netherlands, they faced economic challenges. Many struggled to find work and support their families, as they were not always able to integrate into the Dutch society and economy.
5. The desire for a new start: Despite their religious freedom, the Pilgrims felt that their children were adopting Dutch customs and losing their English heritage. They yearned for a new start where they could maintain their English identity and establish a community based on their religious principles.
6. The decision to move to America: In 1620, after considering various options, the Pilgrims decided to move to the New World (America). They believed it would offer them a chance to establish their own colony, practice their religion freely, and secure economic opportunities.
7. The Mayflower voyage: The Pilgrims, around 102 individuals, set sail from Plymouth, England, aboard the Mayflower in September 1620. After 66 days at sea, they reached present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, in November 1620.
8. The Mayflower Compact: Prior to disembarking, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, which established a self-governing framework for the new colony. This was an important step toward establishing a democratic government in America.
In conclusion, the Pilgrims left England to escape religious persecution, seek religious freedom, and establish a new colony where they could worship according to their own beliefs.