Survival in the Early American Colonies: Jamestown & Plymouth

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
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Survival in the Early American Colonies: Jamestown & Plymouth

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to the Early Colonies

Source A: Journal Entry from a Jamestown Settler

'The first months were filled with struggle. Our food was scarce, and disease spread quickly among us.' Provenance: Diary of John Doe, a Jamestown settler, 1607.

Source B: Plymouth Colony Records

'The Pilgrims faced many hardships, but through cooperation and faith, they managed to survive the first winter.' Provenance: Plymouth Colony archives, 1620.

1.
Explain the main challenges faced by the settlers in Jamestown based on Source A. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the initial survival challenges faced by the Jamestown and Plymouth settlers based on Sources A and B. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
B

Strategies for Survival

Source C: Native American Assistance

'The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims how to grow crops like corn and hunt effectively, which was vital for their survival.' Provenance: Wampanoag oral history, 1621.

Source D: Jamestown's Leadership

'Captain John Smith imposed strict discipline and organized new methods of food procurement, which improved our chances of survival.' Provenance: Jamestown official reports, 1608.

1.
Outline the survival strategies used by the Plymouth settlers as shown in Source C. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Analyse how leadership and assistance from Native Americans contributed to the survival of Jamestown, based on Source D. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
C

Relationships with Native Americans

Source E: Treaty of 1621

'The Wampanoag and Pilgrims agreed to coexist peacefully and share resources.' Provenance: Colonial treaties archive.

Source F: Conflict in Jamestown

'Tensions with local tribes led to violent clashes, making survival even harder.' Provenance: Jamestown conflict records, 1609.

1.
Explain how relationships with Native Americans affected the survival of the colonies, based on Sources E and F. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the effects of Native American relations on Jamestown and Plymouth, based on Sources E and F. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
D

Conclusion

In summary, the survival of the early American colonies depended on a combination of factors including leadership, Native American assistance, community cooperation, and overcoming environmental challenges. The differences in their approaches and relationships significantly influenced their success or struggles during the initial years.

1.
Summarise the main reasons why some settlers struggled more than others in their first years, based on the overall sources. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse why cooperation with Native Americans was important for the survival of the colonies. Use evidence from the sources to support your answer. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet