Survival in Early American Settlements: Jamestown & Plymouth
About This Worksheet
This worksheet analyzes primary sources to explore how early settlers in Jamestown and Plymouth survived and adapted to their new environments. Students will evaluate the content, provenance, and usefulness of each source to develop their understanding of survival strategies and challenges faced by settlers.
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Survival in Early American Settlements: Jamestown & Plymouth
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Source Analysis: Survival in Early American Settlements
Source A: Letter from a Jamestown Settler
"We faced many hardships upon our arrival. The land was unfamiliar, and food was scarce. Many of us fell ill due to poor conditions and lack of supplies. We struggled to find ways to grow crops and hunt for food, which was vital for our survival. Despite these difficulties, we worked tirelessly to build shelters and learn how to live off the land. Our hope was that with perseverance, we could establish a colony that would endure. "Provenance: John Smith, 1608, personal letter to the Virginia Company"
Source B: Plymouth Colony Journal Entry
"The winter was especially harsh this year. Many of our people did not survive, and the cold made it difficult to find enough food. We relied heavily on the help of the local Native Americans, who showed us how to plant corn and hunt game. Their assistance was crucial in helping us adapt to the new environment and survive the first difficult years." Provenance: William Bradford, 1621, journal entry from Plymouth
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet