The Fragile Bonds of Thanksgiving

This chapter explores the historical context of Thanksgiving, focusing on the leadership of Massasoit and the Pilgrims' struggles during their harsh first winter. It highlights the communal bonds formed through shared suffering, the tragic loss of families, and the evolving relationship between Indigenous peoples and the newcomers. The narrative further examines how early cooperative interactions deteriorated into conflict over time, culminating in the tensions that led to King Philip's War.