USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Mayflower Compact-as it is known today-was signed by those 41 “true” Pilgrims on 11 November, 1620, and became the first governing document of Plymouth Colony .

Detailed explanation-2: -Because they chose to remain where they landed in New England, they needed a new permission (called a patent) to settle there. On November 11, 1620, needing to maintain order and establish a civil society while they waited for this new patent, the adult male passengers signed the Mayflower Compact.

Detailed explanation-3: -On November 11, 1620, 41 adult male colonists, including two indentured servants, signed the Mayflower Compact, although it wasn’t called that at the time.

Detailed explanation-4: -Signed on November 21, 1620 (November 11, Old Style), the Mayflower Compact was an agreement that joined the people onboard the Mayflower – the ship that carried the colonists who first settled Plymouth, Massachusetts – in a single self-governing community.

Detailed explanation-5: -Nine adult males on board did not sign the document; some had been hired as seamen only for one year and others may have been too ill to write. No women signed it, in accordance with cultural and legal custom of the times.