How did squanto aid the colonists

Answer 1

Squanto, whose name was actually Tisquantum, was a member of the Patuxet tribe which was part of the Wampanoag Confederacy. He played a pivotal role in aiding the Pilgrims, the English colonists who settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts. His assistance was crucial in several ways:

1. Agricultural Guidance: Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate native crops such as corn (maize), which became an essential staple for their survival. He showed them the most effective planting techniques, including the use of fish as fertilizer to enrich the soil.

2. Diplomatic Relations: Squanto acted as an interpreter and mediator between the English settlers and local Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag. His ability to speak English, which he had learned during prior encounters and abductions by Englishmen, allowed for communication and helped in establishing a peace treaty between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag leader Massasoit. This peace treaty lasted for several decades and was essential for the survival and coexistence of both groups.

3. Survival Skills: Beyond agriculture, Squanto taught the Pilgrims other survival skills, such as which local plants were safe to eat or use for medicine, how to fish in the rivers and along the coast, and how to hunt local game effectively.

4. Resource Acquisition: He assisted the Pilgrims in understanding the local environment and how to best utilize its resources. This included identifying edible plants, showing them the best locations for fishing and hunting, and advising on the procurement of other resources necessary for their settlement.

With Squanto's assistance, the Pilgrims were able to establish their colony and thrive in the New World. The First Thanksgiving in 1621, which has become part of American folklore, was a celebration that included the Pilgrims and the neighboring Wampanoag people, and Squanto was a key figure in bringing these two groups together for the harvest feast. His contributions were invaluable in the critical early years of the Plymouth Colony.