In which year was the Mayflower Compact signed?

The Mayflower Compact was signed in 1620, marking a significant moment in American colonial history. This document was created by the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, establishing a form of self-government and agreeing to abide by the laws and regulations set forth by the group for their new settlement in Plymouth.

The timing is crucial, as the signing of the Compact laid the foundation for democratic governance and the rule of law in the colony. The Pilgrims understood the need for a structured governing document to maintain order and unity among the diverse group of settlers, especially since they had landed outside the bounds of the Virginia Company's charter. Thus, the Mayflower Compact is often referenced as an early example of a social contract and a precursor to later American democratic principles.

The other years mentioned do not correspond to the signing of this foundational document, making 1620 the pivotal date for the Mayflower Compact.