What marked the beginning of the Pilgrims’ journey in 1620?

The Pilgrims' journey in 1620 is marked by the signing of the Mayflower Compact. This document was significant because it represented one of the first forms of self-government in the New World. As the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower, they recognized the need for a governing framework that would ensure order and cooperation among the settlers as they established their colony. The Mayflower Compact was signed by male passengers aboard the ship before they disembarked, establishing a civil body politic and affirming their commitment to work together for the common good. This moment is pivotal because it set a precedent for democratic governance and community responsibility that would influence future American societal structures. Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not directly mark the start of the Pilgrims’ journey in the same foundational way as the Mayflower Compact.