Cambridge Agreement facts for kids

The Cambridge Agreement was a special document signed on August 29, 1629. It was made between the people who owned parts of the Massachusetts Bay Company. They signed it in Cambridge, England.

This agreement allowed people who wanted to move to the New World (America) to buy shares from those who wanted to stay in England. It was a very important step before the city of Boston, Massachusetts was founded.

The Cambridge Agreement said that the Massachusetts Bay Colony would be controlled by its own people in New England. It would not be controlled by a group of leaders based far away in London. Not all the people who owned shares in the Company wanted to move, even though many shared similar religious beliefs (they were Puritans). So, the people who were moving bought out the shares of those who stayed behind. John Winthrop led the group of people moving to America after these talks. He was chosen as the Colonial Governor in October 1629.

The agreement made sure the Massachusetts Colony could govern itself. It only had to answer to the English King or Queen. The Colony and the Company basically became the same thing. Winthrop's Puritans carried this important document, called a Charter, across the Atlantic Ocean. They arrived in America in 1630.

What Was the Cambridge Agreement?

The Cambridge Agreement was a key deal made in 1629. It was signed by the owners of the Massachusetts Bay Company. This company was planning to start a new colony in America. The agreement decided who would control this new colony.

Why Was This Agreement Important?

This agreement was very important because it allowed the Massachusetts Bay Colony to be self-governing. This meant the people living in the colony could make their own rules. They didn't have to wait for decisions from England. This was a big step towards freedom for the early American settlers. It also helped set up the city of Boston.

Who Signed the Agreement?

Twelve people signed the Cambridge Agreement. These were important figures who helped shape the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

• Richard Saltonstall
• Thomas Dudley
• William Vassall
• Nicholas West
• Isaac Johnson
• John Humphrey
• Thomas Sharp
• Increase Nowell
• John Winthrop
• William Pynchon
• Kellam Browne
• William Colbron