How Did The Thirteen Colonies Impact Our Society

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Not many people think of how much the thirteen colonies impacted our nation present day. Well all the colonies, some more than others, impacted our life today. The colony that played the largest role in impacting the future of our nation is Plymouth, Massachusetts because Plymouth was the first colony to establish an example of self government, was one of the few to become friends with the indians, and formed our holiday Thanksgiving.

On November 9th, 1620 the Mayflower landed in the new world, before disembarking on this long journey Pilgrim leaders constructed the Mayflower Compact. The Mayflower Compact indicated that people who signed the compact agree to follow a certain amount of rules or “laws”. This was formed to create a simple government, and was not a constitution at all. It was successful and remained in effect until 1686 when Plymouth became part of the Dominion of New

England. This compact set a huge example of self government in the new world. The Mayflower compact set boundaries and rules like we have today. This set the tone for the idea of self government and without it, America today could have a completely different type of government (Kennedy, Cohen, & Bailey 44)

The people of Plymouth also had a very positive relationship with the indians.

Unlike other colonies, the pilgrims were friends with the indians and learned many valuable skills from them. The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe created an agreement where, “...both parties promised to not “doe hurt” to one another, was the first treaty between a Native American tribe and a group of American colonists” (history.com). If either of the two did not follow the agreement, then they would be sent to the opposite sides to be punished. The natives also helped the colonists plant crops. The colonists learned how to plant corn, which became a very important crop. The natives also showed the Americans where to hunt for fish and beaver, and beaver are big in the trading industry.The relationship between the natives and the colonists in plymouth really opened doors. It shows how colonists can get along with the natives just like we do today. If it weren’t for this relationship we still could possibly not be in good means with the Native Americans

(history.com).

A holiday that some may not link to the thirteen colonies is Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims and the natives met together and had a huge feast in fall of 1621. This tradition kept continuing every year until it was made a holiday on September 28th, 1789. Until it was declared a holiday all of the colonies separately celebrated it. Imagine not being able to celebrate Thanksgiving, and eat turkey and mashed potatoes. Well if the indians and colonists did not have a feast, then Thanksgiving would not exist, and most likely never would. It is a big deal that one of the thirteen colonies was able to create a national holiday that is celebrated thousands of years later, and many more to come (Archives.gov).

In conclusion, the most important colony out of the thirteen is definitely Plymouth, Massachusetts. Plymouth composed the first form of self government, the Mayflower Compact. The colonists were also able to become one of the first to get along with the Native Americans. Lastly, one of the yummiest holidays was formed, Thanksgiving. All of these reasons have made a huge impact on the future of our nation.