The most significant way Squanto influenced the founding of Plymouth was that he showed the colonists how to fish and plant corn.
Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe, played a critical role in assisting the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth. When the Pilgrims arrived in 1620, they faced a harsh environment and lacked the knowledge necessary for survival in the New World. Squanto taught them essential agricultural techniques, including how to plant corn using fish as fertilizer, which significantly improved their chances of survival. He also introduced them to local fishing practices, which provided a vital food source. His knowledge of the land and its resources allowed the Pilgrims to establish a more sustainable way of living, which was crucial for the colony's survival during its early years.
Overall, without Squanto's guidance and support, the Plymouth Colony might not have survived its initial seasons, making his contributions fundamental to the colony's foundation and success.