USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Before 1800, the Separatists who landed at Plymouth Rock were known as the “first-comers” or “forefathers.” The Pilgrims, led by Bradford, arrived in New England in December.

Detailed explanation-2: -“The Mayflower pilgrims were the most extreme kind of reformers. They called themselves Saints, but were also known as Separatists, for their desire to separate themselves completely from the established church.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pilgrim separatists rejected the Church of England and the remnants of Catholicism that the Church of England represented. Puritan non-separatists, while equally fervent in their religious convictions, were committed to reformation of the Church of England and restoration of early Christian society.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Pilgrims weren’t called that in their day. Instead, they were known as “Separatists, ” for their desire to break completely from the Church of England, rather than cleanse and reform it from within-the approach urged by the more moderate Puritans.

Detailed explanation-5: -The first wave of Separatist pioneers-that little band of believers sneaking away from England in 1607-would eventually be known as Pilgrims. The label, which came into use in the late 18th century, appears in William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation.