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Massachusetts Colony

By Martin Kelly, About.com

Year Massachusetts Colony Founded:

1620

Founded By:

Separatists - Puritans

Motivation for Founding:

Separatists in England fled to Holland in 1608 and then decided to find refuge in America where they could create a home for themselves in the Massachusetts Colony. They came over on the Mayflower.

Significance:

The Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower created the Mayflower Compact. This agreement to form a government and to submit to the will of the majority set up the precedent of written constitutions.

Important People:

William Bradford - Chosen governor thirty times in annual elections.
Priscilla and John Alden
John Winthrop

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