The Wampanoag Revolution

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The Wampanoag were a small Indian tribe located near Plymouth, or present day Massachusetts and Rhode Island, led by Chief Massasoit. Throughout Massasoit’s life, the tribe faced many struggles and celebrated many triumphs, including lifelong friendships, alliances, and peace treaties. Ultimately, his people lost their land and their way of life was vanquished forever. Massasoit was the necessary hero to his people because, he provided them with protection from enemies, created trade agreements for European goods, and always stayed true to the beliefs of his tribe and ancestors. When the Praying Towns first settled in Plymouth, the Wampanoag were diminishing in numbers, and subject to attacks by other local Indian tribes. Massasoit’s first step in ensuring the safety of his people was to; befriend a white man named Edward Winslow. What turned out to become a lifelong friendship started as two struggling leaders desperately searching for a better way to thrive in uncertain times. The two men quickly created an alliance that was based on an agreement that the Wampanoag and Plymouth settlement would not attack each other, and help defend each other from attacks by local enemy tribes. Finally through this initial alliance, Massasoit was able to start trading and acquiring European weapons, which enabled the Wampanoag to better defend themselves in battle. Lafantasie reflects, “Massasoit had worked diligently to maintain the peace with both the Plymouth Separatists and the Massachusetts Bay Puritans” (Lafantasie). Trade became the most important strategic factor for the Wampanoag. With the tools Massasoit acquired from Winslow, the Wampanoag were able to create trade items more efficiently. This allowed the settlers to gain beaver pelts and other furs, needed for survival during the cold harsh winters. These trades allowed the Wampanoag to gain additional tools and

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