The History of Thanksgiving in America

What significant event took place between the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims?

Choose one:

a) Tisquantum was kidnapped.

b) The colonists won King Philip’s War.

c) The Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims formed an alliance.

The significant event that took place between the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims was:

c) The Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims formed an alliance.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and the preceding year. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

The history of Thanksgiving in America dates back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, who had traveled on the Mayflower ship, held a three-day feast with the Wampanoag people in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event is often referred to as the "first Thanksgiving" and is recognized as a symbol of cooperation and goodwill between the Native Americans and the colonists.

The Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims formed an alliance to ensure mutual protection and assistance. This alliance played a crucial role in the survival of the Pilgrims in the harsh conditions of the New World. The Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims vital skills for farming and hunting, while the Pilgrims provided the Wampanoag with trade opportunities and protection from rival tribes.

As a result of this alliance, the first Thanksgiving feast was celebrated in 1621, where both the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims gathered to give thanks for a successful harvest. The feast included dishes such as wild turkey, venison, fish, cornbread, and fruits. This event laid the foundation for the modern-day Thanksgiving holiday that is celebrated with feasts, parades, and gatherings with family and friends.