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Mayflower Colonist Decision Making
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Mayflower Colonist Decision Making
⚓ Part 1: Analyzing Colonist Motivations
1. Based on the primary source excerpts you read, what were the THREE main motivations that drove colonists to sail on the Mayflower?
Religious freedom from persecution
Economic opportunities and land ownership
Adventure and exploration
Escape from debt
Family reunification
Political freedom
2. Which primary source quote BEST shows the religious motivation for sailing?
"We seek a place where we may worship according to our conscience"
"The land promises great riches and opportunity"
"Adventure calls us to new shores"
"We must escape our debts in England"
3. What economic hardships mentioned in the sources pushed colonists to leave England?
4. Complete this sentence from a colonist's perspective: "I am willing to risk everything because _______________."
I am willing to risk everything because _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________.
⚠️ Part 2: Evaluating the Risks
5. What were the major risks colonists faced during the Mayflower voyage? Check all that apply:
Storms and shipwreck
Disease and death
Starvation
Conflicts with Native Americans
Getting lost at sea
Harsh winter conditions
6. Why do you think colonists were willing to accept these dangerous risks?
7. If you were a colonist's family member, what would be your biggest concern about the journey?
Never seeing my loved one again
The ship sinking in a storm
Running out of food and supplies
Hostile encounters in the New World
🚢 Part 3: Your Decision
8. Role-Play Decision: You are living in England in 1620. Based on the evidence from the primary sources, would YOU choose to sail on the Mayflower?
YES, I would sail
NO, I would stay in England
9. Write your argument: Use at least TWO motivations and TWO risks from the sources to support your decision. Would you sail or stay?
10. If you chose to sail, what ONE item would you bring to help ensure survival? If you chose to stay, what would you do to improve your life in England?
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