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William Bradford :
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| Introduction for Educators Pilgrim William Bradford was the long-time leader of the Plymouth Colony. His ability to manage men and affairs was a significant factor in the survival and success of the colony. William Bradford kept a journal. From that journal, he wrote his history of Plymouth Colony, now known as Of Plymouth Plantation. It is a first-hand account of the Pilgrim adventure : from the decision to move to Holland and then to America, through the Mayflower voyage and establishment of the little settlement of Plymouth, to the expansion and growth of Plymouth Colony. Bradford himself referred to his history as an "unfolding." The events he recorded were sometimes momentous, sometimes humble. He wrote of colony and business matters and, occasionally, of his own thoughts. In his later years, William Bradford also wrote poetry, describing his life and his emotions. In this unit, students will read passages written by William Bradford. The original 17th century language and spelling have been maintained. The selection of readings is determined both by the historical significance of the event described and accessibility to high school students. The focus of the unit, both the readings and the supporting activities, is to impart the ability to follow and absorb historical accounts so as to reflect thoughtfully upon them. Students will explore the writings of William Bradford for insights into the nature and limitations of primary source materials and for insights into Bradford’s character and the nature of personal leadership. This unit consists of 7 lessons : 1. Meet Bradford & his journal provides an introduction to the nuances of keeping a journal. 2. Memory & history leads students to examine the nature of memory using personal experience and contrasting 17th century accounts of a single event. 3. Writing in the Plain Style introduces students to Bradford’s 17th century writing style. 4. Class Journal engages students in creating a class journal, "A week in the life of…" 5. Poetry as History examines poetry as an alternative means of commemorating events. 6. Bradford the Person uses Bradford’s writings to discover clues to his personal character. 7. Bradford the Leader uses Bradford’s writings to analyze the nature of successful leadership. Educational Objectives : 1. Students will become familiar with the craft of the historian by framing questions that can be answered by historical evidence and drawing conclusions from primary sources. 2. Students will understand the importance and limitations of primary sources in forming conclusions about the past. 3. Students will become acquainted with a complex and rich writing style. By evaluating and using this material for writing exercises, students will enrich the style & content of their own writing. 4. Through reading first-hand accounts of the 17th century, students will have the opportunity to examine their personal value system and to enter into the point of view of others. 5. Students will consider the nature of personal leadership by discussing such elements as choice, cooperation, purposeful effort, flexibility, authority and responsibility. 6. Students will discuss and evaluate the power of ideas in shaping history. 7. Students will analyze the roles of work, community spirit, individual choices, personal character, and religious belief for the survival of Plymouth Colony. Proceed to Meet William Bradford! When you have finished the curriculum unit, please fill out our evaluation form. Click HERE for evaluation form.. Click HERE to return to the main Pilgrim Hall Learning Page. For more online information about the Pilgrims and 17th century Plymouth, link to www.pilgrimhall.org/museum.htm For a bibliography of printed material for further reading, link to www.pilgrimhall.org/biblio.htm For other sites related to Pilgrim and Plymouth history, link to www.pilgrimhall.org/links.htm |
