America Settled: Review Time
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In September 1620, the Pilgrims left Europe for America on a ship called the Mayflower. They searched for a place where they could practice their faith as they wanted but still keep their English customs and traditions. After a difficult journey lasting two months at sea, the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock in what is now the state of Massachusetts. The 102 passengers called this land the “New World,” and the Pilgrims (now called colonists) knew the long voyage was worth the trip, and their faith had been rewarded.
The first year was difficult for the colonists. They did not know how to take care of themselves, and many people worried they might not survive the harsh winter. Luckily, after four months of living in Plymouth, the colonists became friends with the Native Americans living there. The Native Americans taught them how to hunt, fish, and grow crops for survival.
One especially helpful Native American was Squanto. Squanto’s family had died from illness while he was held captive in England. When he returned, his home did not look the same. He quickly realized that people different from him had moved into the area around his home. These people were the colonists. Squanto could see they were barely surviving, so he befriended the colonists and helped them survive in their new land. The colonists threw a great feast, later called Thanksgiving, to give thanks for their life in America and for the Native Americans who lived there.
“We covenant and combine ourselves into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation.”
– William Bradford