https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIcISwJ5Yz0 Aug 19, 2015 Looking to win the affection of a Plimoth Plantation enactor, a man takes a job enacting as her husband, and in the process learns that much of what we learned in school about the Pilgrims is not necessarily so. For example, did you know that the Pilgrims wore colorful clothing, and that many came to American soil in search of profit, not religious freedom?
The enactor also learns that while the Plimoth Colony originally followed practices of property sharing, it became evident quickly that this system had major flaws. By 1623, the Pilgrims decided that private property ownership allowed for a much more efficient and productive workforce, yielding plentiful crop harvests. This laid the foundation for today's practices of private property rights, affecting many of our possessions such as i-Pods and cell phones.
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Some people came to Plimoth Plantation for religious reasons. Why did others come?
Some people came to build a separate Church and pursue religious freedom, but others came as apprentices to make money.
Who were the Adventurers?
The Merchant Adventures were a group of businessmen who viewed the colony as a means to make a profit. The Pilgrims were supposed to pay back the loan upon their arrival to America.
Why does the tourist (economist) want to meet the Fullers so badly?
The Fullers were the ancestors of the tourists.
How did the Pilgrims obtain black pepper for cooking? How did they obtain parsley?
Pepper came from England and the Pilgrims grew parsley in their gardens.
What year did Mrs. Fuller come over?
1623
The actress portraying Bridget Fuller says they are at the Plimoth Plantation to “dispel myths, not propagate them.” What does she mean, and what myths can you identify?
Bridget Fuller was upset because many people spread the myth that all Pilgrims shared everything. The Pilgrims were not a bunch of people sitting at a buffet table, passing the stuffing.
Why doesn’t the actor portraying Samuel Fuller want to swap cars with the tourist (economist)? Why does he take such good care of his car? Do you think he would take care of someone else’s car in the same way?
The actor does not believe the economist will take great care of his Mustang. He thinks the economist will let it rust or fall apart. Most people take better care of their own car or property.
Prior to 1623, what was the system used for growing food?
Shared planting
Who proposed allotting plots of land to individuals and families so that each would be responsible for their own harvest?
Governor William Bradford wrote in his diary that he gave each family a parcel of land to grow their own corn and this resulted in most people being more industrious and having more food.
What were the results of property-sharing at the Plimoth Plantation in 1623? Why did this happen?
Shared planting was a failure because some people worked harder than others. Bradford was forced to cut food rations in half, leaving people malnourished and hungry.
Is sharing always bad? Explain.
No, sharing is good for a family or a person in need, but sharing with strangers often has unintended consequences.
Why is private property essential to innovation and a better standard of living?
People are more industrious and take better care of their own property. Private property, including intellectual property, encourages people to innovate. Innovation is beneficial to all people.
What myths about the Pilgrims did the program dispel for you?
The Pilgrims had colorful clothing and did not wear buckles on their hats. Their clothing was not just black and white like people see on television and Thanksgiving products. The Pilgrims also did not share everything.
Did the Pilgrims wear all black/white clothing? What color clothing did you notice the actors wearing on the Plimoth Plantation?
No, some people wore colorful dresses, hats, pants, and shirts. Colors included gold, blue, red, and green.
Would you purchase a car if you had to share it with all of your family members or friends? Why or why not?