William Bardford

Question 1

What is William Bradford’s writing considered?

Answer 1

Bradford’s writing is considered to be a ‘primary source.’

Question 2

What are primary sources?

Answer 2

Primary sources are written or created by people who observed or participated in a historical event.

Question 3

What types of documents are considered primary sources?

Answer 3

Primary sources include letters, diaries, speeches, newspaper articles, and eyewitness accounts.

Question 4

What does Bradford’s writing include besides factual information?

Answer 4

It includes his opinion, biases, assumptions, and point of view.

Question 5

What provided a model for Puritan/Pilgrim writing?

Answer 5

The Bible provided a model for the Puritan/Pilgrim writing.

Question 6

What did Pilgrims/Puritans look for in their lives?

Answer 6

They looked for direct connections between biblical events and events in their own lives.

Question 7

What is the Puritan belief about human nature?

Answer 7

Human beings are inherently evil (belief in original sin) and must struggle to overcome their sinful nature.

Question 8

What does personal salvation depend on according to Puritans?

Answer 8

Personal salvation depends solely on the grace of God, not an individual’s effort.

Question 9

What is the belief in predestination?

Answer 9

Predestination is the belief that God determined who would go to Heaven.

Question 10

What is the supreme authority on earth for Puritans?

Answer 10

The Bible is the supreme authority on earth.

Question 11

What was the goal of the Puritans?

Answer 11

The Puritans wanted to reform and ‘purify’ the church in England from within.

Question 12

How did Pilgrims differ from Puritans?

Answer 12

Pilgrims were ‘Separatists’ who wanted to separate entirely from the English church.

Question 14

What year was William Bradford born?

Answer 14

1590 in Yorkshire, England

Question 15

When did William Bradford die?

Answer 15

1657 in Plymouth Colony

Question 16

What religion did William Bradford practice?

Answer 16

Puritans (Separatist)

Question 17

What was William Bradford’s role in the Pilgrims’ journey?

Answer 17

A leader of the pilgrims and Governor of Plymouth Colony for over 30 years

Question 18

What significant document did William Bradford sign?

Answer 18

One of the signers of the Mayflower Compact

Question 19

What is the title of Bradford’s historical narrative?

Answer 19

‘Of Plymouth Plantation’

Question 20

What years did Bradford write ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’?

Answer 20

1630-1651

Question 21

What is the genre of ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’?

Answer 21

Historical narrative/chronicle

Question 22

What was the purpose of ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’?

Answer 22

To document the journey and settlement of the pilgrims and provide a historical record for future generations

Question 23

What theme emphasizes God’s guidance in Bradford’s work?

Answer 23

Providence of God

Question 24

How does Bradford illustrate divine justice?

Answer 24

A sailor who mocked the Pilgrims died of disease

Question 25

What theme highlights the Pilgrims' resilience?

Answer 25

Faith and Perseverance

Question 26

What does the Mayflower Compact represent in Bradford's narrative?

Answer 26

A sacred agreement to create a godly society

Question 27

What theme focuses on unity and moral behavior?

Answer 27

Community and Covenant

Question 28

Who were the key Native Americans mentioned in Bradford's accounts?

Answer 28

Squanto and Massasoit

Question 29

How is Squanto portrayed in Bradford's narrative?

Answer 29

As a divine helper who taught them survival skills

Question 30

What was the significance of the treaty with Massasoit?

Answer 30

It ensured peace for many years

Question 31

What were the conditions on the Mayflower during the journey to the New World?

Answer 31

Harsh conditions in 1620.

Question 32

Where did the Pilgrims arrive instead of Virginia?

Answer 32

Cape Cod due to storms.

Question 33

What was the Mayflower Compact?

Answer 33

A form of self-rule created and signed by the Pilgrims.

Question 34

What happened during the first winter (1620-1621)?

Answer 34

Over half of the settlers died from cold, disease, and starvation.

Question 35

Who cared for the sick during the first winter?

Answer 35

Only a few healthy individuals, seen as a heroic and godly act.

Question 36

Who helped the Pilgrims learn to survive?

Answer 36

Squanto helped them plant corn, fish, and survive.

Question 37

What did Massasoit do for the Pilgrims?

Answer 37

Formed a peace treaty with them.

Question 38

How did Bradford view Squanto's arrival?

Answer 38

He credited God for sending Squanto.

Question 39

What was the First Thanksgiving?

Answer 39

A celebration of survival and the successful harvest in 1621.

Question 40

Who did the Pilgrims feast with during the First Thanksgiving?

Answer 40

The Wampanoag.

Question 41

What struggles did the colony face in its development?

Answer 41

Struggles with leadership, agriculture, finances, and relations with England.

Question 42

What conflicts arose in the later years of the colony?

Answer 42

Conflicts with other colonies and declining religious zeal.

Question 43

What is the literary style of 'Of Plymouth Plantation'?

Answer 43

Plain style with simple, clear language focused on truth.

Question 44

What type of references are frequent in the text?

Answer 44

Biblical allusions to interpret events.

Question 45

How are the Pilgrims compared in the text?

Answer 45

They are often compared to the Israelites escaping Egypt.

Question 46

What is the legacy of 'Of Plymouth Plantation'?

Answer 46

A firsthand account of early colonial life in New England.

Question 47

Why is 'Of Plymouth Plantation' considered significant?

Answer 47

It is a foundational document of American history and literature.

Question 48

What mindset does the text reflect about the Puritans?

Answer 48

Faith-driven, community-centered, and deeply spiritual.

Question 49

What does the text show about American democracy?

Answer 49

It reflects the beginning of American democracy through self-government and cooperation.