William Bradford, the second governor of the Plymouth Colony, said the following, “The good hand of God favored our beginnings,” Bradford mused, by “sweeping away great multitudes of the natives … that he might make room for us.” From this quote, what can you infer about his beliefs as to the reason for the success of European colonization?

Question

Responses

Bradford believed that the Natives did not deserve any place in the New World.

Bradford believed that the Natives did not deserve any place in the New World.

Bradford believed that the Natives were weak and not fit to live on the land.

Bradford believed that the Natives were weak and not fit to live on the land.

Bradford believed that the Europeans were intellectually superior and dominated the Natives because of that.

Bradford believed that the Europeans were intellectually superior and dominated the Natives because of that.

Bradford believed God favored the Europeans and wanted them to succeed.

Answer 1

From the quote, the most accurate inference about William Bradford's beliefs regarding the success of European colonization is:

Bradford believed God favored the Europeans and wanted them to succeed.

This interpretation aligns with the idea that he viewed the outcomes of colonization as part of a divine plan, where the removal of many Native populations was seen as a way for God to make space for the European settlers.