Why did the Pilgrims become friends with the Wampanoag?
Credits to Tiffany Jones
When the Pilgrims first settled on Plymouth, Massachusetts they were seeking freedom of religion. The were sick of the English making them praise only a religion that the English accepted. They wanted to praise what they felt was right. When they got to Massachusetts, it was only by mistake. The Pilgrims were actually looking for Virginia, but a storm pushed them off course. Even though they did not intend to go to Massachusetts, they were happy they did.
The Pilgrims had already had good supplies, animals, food, and tools so they set out to work immediately. They built their homes, but didn‛t know how to harvest. But soon a Indian named Samoset helped them and persuaded the other Wampanoag Indians to like the Pilgrims by translating the Pilgrims‛ greetings to the Wampanoag.
The Wampanoag so became friends with the pilgrims and helped them become adjusted to the Indian way of life. The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims fish, hunt, and harvest. The year then was in the 1620‛s. In 1627, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag had finally had a successful harvest. It was so successful that the Pilgrims had enough food to last them their entire stay.
The Wampanoag had helped thePilgrims when they arrived alot. They showed the Pilgrims good hunting and fishing locations and how to harvest many different tyes of food. In 1627, they had a successful harvest. They had so much leftover food they al decicded to celebrate, with the food they had. This celebration is now called Thanksgiving.
after they helped them
The Pilgrims formed a friendship with the Wampanoag tribe for several reasons. To understand why, we can explore historical records and accounts of the interactions between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.
1. Mutual Assistance: The Wampanoag had initially approached the Pilgrims for diplomatic reasons. They saw an opportunity to gain allies against their enemies, such as the Narragansett tribe.
2. Squanto's Role: Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe (part of the Wampanoag confederation), played a crucial role in building the friendship. Squanto had previously been taken captive by English explorers, learnt their language, and eventually returned to his homeland. His ability to serve as a translator and mediator facilitated communication and trust between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.
3. Cultural Exchange: The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag engaged in cultural exchange, which helped to foster friendship. They shared knowledge of farming techniques, such as the native three-sister crops (corn, beans, and squash), and hunting practices. Additionally, the Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims about local flora and fauna, providing valuable survival skills in the New World.
4. Peace Treaty: In March 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag agreed to a mutual defense pact or peace treaty. This treaty aimed to protect each other from potential threats and maintain peace in the region.
5. Thanksgiving: The famous "First Thanksgiving" celebration in November 1621 forged a bond between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. It was a harvest feast where both communities came together to celebrate their successful collaboration and express gratitude.
To understand these historical events in more detail, you can refer to primary sources such as the accounts of William Bradford, the Pilgrim leader, or other historical documents from the time period. By studying these accounts, you can gain a deeper insight into the reasons behind the friendship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.