The Mayflower Compact: Interpretations and Analysis

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of the Mayflower Compact, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their credibility.

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The Mayflower Compact: Interpretations and Analysis

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of the Mayflower Compact

Historian A: David Thomson – Political Foundation Perspective

"Historian David Thomson argues that the Mayflower Compact was a significant step towards self-governance in America. He emphasizes that it established a social contract among the settlers, laying the groundwork for later democratic principles. Thomson believes the Compact was crucial in fostering cooperation and order, helping the Pilgrims survive in a challenging environment. He highlights its role as a pioneering document that influenced future American constitutional ideas."

Historian B: Linda Carter – Social Unity Perspective

"Historian Linda Carter views the Mayflower Compact primarily as a social agreement aimed at maintaining peace among diverse groups. She stresses that it was less about political ideas and more about ensuring social stability. Carter argues that the Compact was a pragmatic solution to immediate problems, such as conflicts and the need for cooperation among the settlers, rather than a formal step towards democracy."

B

Questions

1.
Summarize each historian's view on the significance of the Mayflower Compact.
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the two historians' perspectives on why the Mayflower Compact was created.
[4 marks]
3.
Analyse which historian’s interpretation you find more convincing and explain why.
[6 marks]
4.
Outline the importance of the Mayflower Compact in American history.
[3 marks]
5.
Explain why the Mayflower Compact is considered a significant document in the development of American democracy.
[4 marks]
6.
Compare the perspectives of Thomson and Carter on the motives behind the Mayflower Compact.
[4 marks]
7.
Evaluate which historian’s interpretation provides a stronger understanding of the purpose of the Mayflower Compact and justify your choice.
[6 marks]
8.
Outline the main differences between the two historians' views.
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet