Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Question 4

4. The Pilgrims established a tradition of more or less peaceful coexistence with the Native Americans that lasted over fifty years. Why did that tradition collapse in the 1670s and what might have been done to preserve it?

It is common knowledge that good things can't last forever. In the case of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, that good thing was peace. At first, there was only fear and that fear kept the two from any major conflicts for a god while. After this fear was overcome and contact imminent, the Pilgrims decided to persue a more democratic approach to peace because 1) they were out-numbered, 2) they were slowly dying of hunger and disease, and 3) violence would only provoke more violence. So, the Pilgrims sought peace, but over time, these ties with Massasoit and the other Indian groups began to take their toll... Bam! Violence erupts.

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