Colonial America Essay

Take a moment and think of all the things that are in modern day lives; advanced technology, business, cars, electricity, along with many other things. Now, think back to the beginning of America when there was nothing but the land when the English settlers arrived. The trip to America and even the first few months post-arrival were very hard on the English settlers, as they had no experience, preparation, or familiarity with the land. Many of the settlers were dying, but thanks to the gracious aid of some Indians, the English settlers were able to learn and better adapt. Though the trip brought great difficulties upon the English settlers, they were able to survive, thrive, and eventually colonize various parts of the Eastern United States.
Their leaders lacked the necessary skills to live off the land, and many of the settlers did not have any farming or building skills. More than half of the settlers died by the first winter due to disease, malnutrition, and lack of preparation. William Bradford also explained that at first the Indians did not welcome them, but rather lurked and observed them. Then an Indian named Samoset approached them and spoke broken English. Samoset introduced the settlers to another Indian, Squanto, who had been to England and knew the language better than him. Squanto reconciled the settlers and the Indians, and he introduced them to the leader of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit. William Bradford then shared how the two groups formed an alliance to work together, protect one another, and keep peace between them. Following the creation of the treaty, the Indians returned to their tribe. However, Squanto remained with the settlers and taught them about the land, how to grow their corn, produce necessities, and where to fish. The English settlers have the Indians to thank for a majority of their success because without their help, the settlers’ attempt at American colonization would have most likely been