The Mayflower was not built to be a transportation ship for people. What was the original purpose of the Mayflower? (a) As a merchant ship to carry wine (b) As a fishing ship (c) As a ship to get spices from the Far East

(a) As a merchant ship to carry wine

The Mayflower was originally commissioned for cargo trade and was used to transport goods such as wine and dry goods between England and other European countries. The design of the ship was typical of merchant vessels of that time, with a broad beam, a cargo hold below the main deck, and relatively cramped quarters for the crew. When it was used to transport the English Separatists, commonly known as the Pilgrims, to the New World in 1620, its cargo space was repurposed to accommodate these passengers.

Merchant ships in the 17th century were versatile vessels used to carry a variety of goods. The sturdy construction designed for carrying heavy cargo inadvertently made them suitable for the long Atlantic journey. However, the design was not intended for passenger comfort, which is why the Pilgrim's journey was especially arduous.