Final answer:
Native Americans, particularly Squanto and Samoset, were crucial in teaching the Plymouth settlers agricultural practices and negotiating treaties, which were essential for the colony's survival and adaptation in the New World.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Native Americans played a critical role in the survival of the Plymouth colony in several ways. Notably, individuals like Samoset from the Abenaki tribe and Squanto from the Pawtuxet tribe, who had prior experience with English due to his kidnapping and time in England, were instrumental in aiding the fledgling settlement.
Squanto's knowledge of English and familiarity with the land were invaluable as he helped the English colonists negotiate treaties with nearby tribes, which was essential for maintaining peace and securing allies.
Additionally, Native Americans taught the Plymouth settlers vital agricultural techniques such as planting corn, which became the colony's main food source, and using local herring to fertilize the soil, allowing their crops to flourish. This partnership was pivotal in allowing the English settlers to adapt to the New World and ultimately survive the harsh initial years.