How did the Pilgrims become friends with the Wampanoag?
The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Tribe developed a friendship through mutual cooperation, cultural exchange, and geographic proximity. To understand how they became friends, we can look at historical accounts and records.
1. Arrival and Settlement: The Pilgrims, aboard the Mayflower ship, arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The Wampanoag people had been living in the region for thousands of years and were familiar with the land.
2. Assistance from Squanto: The Pilgrims faced a harsh winter and struggled with unfamiliar conditions. A Wampanoag named Squanto, who spoke English due to previous contact with English settlers, played a crucial role in establishing peaceful relations. He taught the Pilgrims essential survival skills, such as cultivating corn and navigating the local environment.
3. The Treaty: In March 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Tribe negotiated and signed a treaty known as the "Treaty of Plymouth." The agreement established peace between the two groups and outlined terms of cooperation, including mutual defense against neighboring tribes.
4. Shared Celebrations: In November 1621, the Pilgrims held a harvest celebration known as the "First Thanksgiving." They invited the Wampanoag, including their leader Massasoit, who brought deer as a gift. This feast marked the cooperation and friendship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.
It is important to note that while there were periods of friendship and cooperation, the overall relationship between the Pilgrims and Native American tribes like the Wampanoag was complex and often strained due to cultural differences, land disputes, and later conflicts.