Thanksgiving

Last updated almost 4 years ago

8 questions

While two primary source documents confirm that a feast between Wampanoags and pilgrims in Plymouth colony did actually take place in 1621, we also know that this does not tell the whole story. The day of "Thanksgiving" was actually first designated as a holiday on October 12, 1637 to celebrate the Puritans' massacre of the Pequots during the Pequot War. Since 1970, Native Americans have gathered every Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock for a National Day of Mourning to remember the Pequot and what happened to them in 1637.

Although the story of that peaceful dinner in 1621 is somewhat accurate, it stands in stark contrast to our country's relationship with Native Americans, which also deserves full recognition in our nation's history. Check out Chapter 1 of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States to read primary sources on the relationships between white settlers and Native Americans. This is a lesson for students in questioning the telling of history from the standpoint of the conquerors and leaders of Western civilization.

Using map study and analysis of primary source documents, teachers can lead students in a thoughtful discussion about the complicated nature of the relationship between the participants at the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe.

Today’s Objective
- Describe the relationship between Native Americans and Europeans from the perspective of Native Americans.
- Analyze the terms of the Pilgrims' Treaty with Massasoit

Today’s Question
Were the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags allies or enemies?

Lesson Intro
Directions: Analyze the map below and answer the questions.
 

Take a close look at the map. What information does this map give you?

How does this map look different than maps you usually see of the United States?

What time period of American history do you think this map illustrates?

Look closely at the map below. Which tribe of Native Americans lived in the area where the Pilgrims settled?

Directions: Listen to the audio clip below and and use the information to answer the next three questions.

Long before the English settled present-day _________________, Native Americans lived in the region. One of these Native American tribes was the Wampanoag.

In the early 17th century, the Wampanoag lived in present-day Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Wampanoags came into contact with ____________________ at this time.

Thanksgiving

Lesson Intro

Take a close look at the map. What information does this map give you?

How does this map look different than maps you usually see of the United States?

What time period of American history do you think this map illustrates?

Look closely at the map below. Which tribe of Native Americans lived in the area where the Pilgrims settled?

Long before the English settled present-day _________________, Native Americans lived in the region. One of these Native American tribes was the Wampanoag.

In the early 17th century, the Wampanoag lived in present-day Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Wampanoags came into contact with ____________________ at this time.

True or False: Only men could serve as a leader in a Wampanoag tribe.

What two cultures collided in Plymouth?