Final answer:
In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower to establish Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, setting a foundation for self-governance with the Mayflower Compact.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1620, the first Puritan emigrants, who were later called Pilgrims, crossed the Atlantic on the ship the Mayflower to found the Plymouth Colony on the south shore of Massachusetts Bay. These Pilgrims, led by William Bradford, had originally lived in the Netherlands but sought to preserve their English identity and religious practices by relocating to North America. The voyage was difficult and upon arrival, they endured a harsh first winter with significant losses. Nonetheless, they forged ahead, creating one of the first settlements in New England and establishing a precedent for self-governance and direct democracy with the signing of the Mayflower Compact.