The Pilgrims' journey to America was motivated by their desire to escape religious persecution in England, where the Church of England was heavily influenced by the government. They sought to establish a new colony in North America, where they could worship freely and create a distinct culture. The Mayflower Compact, signed by the Pilgrims before landing in Plymouth, was a precursor to the US Constitution and established the principle of self-government by the people. The Pilgrims' first winter in America was difficult, but they were aided by the Native American Squanto, who taught them how to plant crops and survive in the new environment. The harvest festival they celebrated in the fall was a secular event, but it was later combined with the day of Thanksgiving, which was a religious expression of gratitude to God for their survival.
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