Of Plymouth Plantation Themes Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

Of Plymouth Plantation: A First-Hand Account of the Pilgrims' Journey

Background

Of Plymouth Plantation is a historical document written by William Bradford, the leader of the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The journal spans between 1630 and 1651 and provides a detailed account of the Pilgrims' journey from the Dutch Republic on the European mainland to the New World.

Origin

Bradford's journal is considered the most authoritative account of the Pilgrims and the early years of their colony. It was written to preserve the history of the first 30 years of Plymouth Colony, including the reactions of the colonists to the events they experienced. The document was not intended for publication during Bradford's lifetime, but it has since become a significant piece of early American literature and history.

Content and Themes

Of Plymouth Plantation covers various topics, including the Pilgrims' religious beliefs, their experiences with Native Americans, and the development of the colony. Some key themes in the journal include:

Religious Persecution: The text begins with the history of the persecution of the religious separatists by the Anglican Church, leading to their relocation to the New World.
Working Together: Bradford emphasizes the importance of people of different backgrounds, nationalities, and religious beliefs working together for the collective good of the community.
Individual Accomplishment: The journal highlights individual accomplishment and how, in a land of unlimited opportunity, one may rise only as high as one's character and determination allow.
Providentialism: Some scholars argue that Bradford was not writing a providential but rather a secular and specifically an economic history.
Self-Made Man: The theme of the self-made man creating something from nothing runs throughout the journal, informing the collective vision of the Plymouth Colony.

Impact

Of Plymouth Plantation has had a significant impact on the development of the national character of the United States. It has been recognized for its artistic and historical value and has influenced the way Americans view their shared history and identity.

Description

Test your knowledge on William Bradford's historical journal, Of Plymouth Plantation, covering the Pilgrims' journey to the New World, religious persecution, working together, individual accomplishment, and providentialism. Learn about the impact of this significant document on early American history and identity.