William Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation"

Definition

'Of Plymouth Plantation' is a historical account written by William Bradford, detailing the experiences of the Pilgrims as they settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, from 1620 to 1647. This work is significant as it provides a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by the early settlers, their motivations for leaving England, and their interactions with Native Americans, reflecting broader themes of colonization and the quest for religious freedom during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Of Plymouth Plantation' was written between 1630 and 1651 and is considered one of the most important primary sources of early American history.
2. Bradford's account emphasizes the Pilgrims' faith in God and their belief that their journey was divinely ordained.
3. The text details the harsh realities faced by the settlers, including starvation, harsh winters, and conflicts with Native Americans.
4. Bradford also documents key events, such as the first Thanksgiving in 1621, highlighting cooperation between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe.
5. The work illustrates the evolution of Bradford's views over time, from initial fear and uncertainty to a sense of community and resilience among the settlers.

Review Questions

• How does Bradford's 'Of Plymouth Plantation' provide insight into the motivations of the Pilgrims and their journey to America?
  • 'Of Plymouth Plantation' offers a detailed account of the Pilgrims' motivations for leaving England, primarily their desire for religious freedom. Bradford portrays their journey as a quest for a new life where they could practice their faith without persecution. His narrative highlights both their spiritual convictions and practical challenges, showing how these factors intertwined to shape their experience in establishing a new colony.
• Discuss how 'Of Plymouth Plantation' reflects the relationships between the Pilgrims and Native Americans during early colonization.
  • 'Of Plymouth Plantation' provides a complex view of interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, particularly with the Wampanoag tribe. Bradford recounts both moments of cooperation, such as assistance in agriculture and mutual defense against other tribes, as well as conflicts that arose due to misunderstandings and differing worldviews. This duality showcases the intricate dynamics of early colonial relations and the impact these interactions had on both communities.
• Evaluate the significance of 'Of Plymouth Plantation' in understanding early American identity and its evolving themes throughout Bradford's writing.
  • 'Of Plymouth Plantation' is crucial for understanding early American identity as it encapsulates themes of faith, perseverance, and community-building. Bradford's evolving narrative reflects a shift from initial survival struggles to a more unified identity among the settlers as they established their community. This transformation is significant in illustrating how early colonists began to forge an American identity based on shared beliefs and experiences, setting a foundation for future generations.

Related terms

Pilgrims:

A group of English settlers seeking religious freedom who traveled to America on the Mayflower in 1620.

Mayflower Compact:

An agreement signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower that established a basic form of government and a commitment to majority rule in their new settlement.

Plymouth Colony:

The first permanent European settlement in New England, established by the Pilgrims in 1620.