Final answer:
The key points in "Of Plymouth Plantation" include the voyage of The Mayflower, the signing of The Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrims' initial hardships and interactions with Native Americans like Squanto, and the early governance and struggles of the Plymouth Colony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The work "Of Plymouth Plantation" chronicles the historical account of the English Pilgrims who sailed on The Mayflower and established the Plymouth Colony. Some key points covering the narrative from their perilous voyage to the establishment of a new society include:
- The journey of the Pilgrims aboard The Mayflower in 1620, facing harsh seas and uncertain futures.
- The drafting and signing of The Mayflower Compact, a document that laid out the framework for self-governance and is often cited as an early example of democracy in the Americas.
- The Pilgrims' initial challenges in the New World, referred to as The Starving Time, a period of severe deprivation and scarcity before they became self-sufficient.
- The interaction with Native Americans, particularly with Squanto who taught the Pilgrims critical agricultural techniques, leading to the eventual celebration of what is commonly known as the First Thanksgiving.
Beyond these points, the work goes on to describe the growth of the colony, the evolution of its laws and government - including the eventual merging with the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the troubled interactions with Native Americans as more settlers arrived. It historically contextualizes the Puritan ethic, their relationship with the Church of England, and the desire to spread Christian beliefs among Indigenous populations.