Source A: Brief overview of early American settlements

'Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in North America. Plymouth was established in 1620 by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom. Both colonies played important roles in American history.' Provenance: General history summary from a textbook, 2020.

Create a timeline of the following events:

• 1607: Jamestown is founded.
• 1620: Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower.
• 1620: The Mayflower Compact is signed.
• 1621: First Thanksgiving held.

Use the timeline to answer the questions below.

Source B: Excerpt from the Mayflower Compact

'In the name of God, amen. We, whose names are underwritten, ... do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation ... and to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, ... as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony.'**

Source C: Historian's view

'The Mayflower Compact was a pioneering step towards self-governance and democracy in America, laying the foundation for future colonial governments.'

Reflect on the importance of the events and decisions discussed above.

Answer: Consider how the founding of Jamestown and Plymouth, and the signing of the Mayflower Compact, contributed to the development of self-governance and early American identity.