The American Colonies were developed for many reasons. First, Great Britain desired to build an overseas economic empire. Second, many settled in the Americas to start a new life.
Finally, others came to North America to escape religious persecution. The most famous people in this last group were the Pilgrims or Separatists. Refusing to accept the Anglican Church of England, these dissenters left England and settled in Holland. After 12 years of barely getting along, 37 Pilgrims decided to migrate to the New World.
Not having enough Separatists to pay for the trip, they were joined by 65 others, called "strangers." Together they embarked on the ship named The Mayflower on July 21, 1620. For 66 storm-tossed days, they were hurled across the Atlantic Ocean.
Finally, at long last, the 102 weary travelers, many having been sea sick, sight Cape Cod (Mass.). This book tells the story of their first year in North America.
Soon after landing, the Pilgrim leader Miles Standish leads a group of colonists near present day Provincetown, Mass. To their surprise, they find a supply of corn on the rocky shoreline. Thanking God for this wonderful discovery, the Separatists are reprieved from the force of a New England winter with little food.
Unbeknownst to them, the corn belongs to the local Native American Tribe named the Wampanoag. Two years before, an epidemic swept through New England killing many Wampanoag and other Indian peoples. This leaves much land cleared for agriculture and depopulated.
One Wampanoag is named Squanto. Years before he had been captured twice by the English. Having learned English during his captivity, Squanto returns to Massachusetts as a guide for an English party in 1619. Squanto returns to his village only to find everyone is dead from the dreaded epidemic.
Fortunately for the Pilgrims, Squanto soon meets the members of the colony. He translates a peace accord between the colonists and the Wampanoag. This allows the fledgling colony to live in peace during its first year.
By April 1621, only 52 members of the original 102 have survived the first brutal winter. With the help of Squanto and other Wampanoag, the Pilgrims begin planting their first crop in the rocky soil of New England.
Why are the Pilgrims able to raise such a bountiful harvest? What crops can grow in this terrain? Does the peace treaty continue between the Wampanoag and the colonists? Have you ever done something that required great fortitude? Did anyone help you in this difficult journey?
What drives the Pilgrims to work so hard to make the Massachusetts Colony succeed? Why are they successful? What happens to the Wampanoag? To find out, go to the library and check out "The First Thanksgiving," by Andrew Santella.
This historical study is a book from the Cornerstones of Freedom series. It is highly readable and filled with interesting facts and illustrations. Santella presents the viewpoints of both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag during the development of the Massachusetts Colony. He gives a history of the initial Thanksgiving meal, and how it came to be part of the culture of the United States.
At the end of the book, the author gives a glossary of terms and a timeline of events. This book is excellent for social studies classes from third to fifth grade. Students will like the illustrations and learn a great deal of history about the founding of the American Colonies. The book is well written, interesting and informative. I hope you like this book and learn about the many valuable topics discussed. Enjoy!
