Who played a key role in introducing new agricultural techniques to the Pilgrims?

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Prepare for the UCF AMH2010 U.S. History: 1492-1877 Exam. Review with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, including hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your test!

Squanto played a key role in introducing new agricultural techniques to the Pilgrims. After being captured and taken to Europe, Squanto returned to America and encountered the Pilgrims in 1620. He became an essential intermediary between the native Wampanoag tribe and the settlers, teaching them vital farming practices, such as the use of fish as fertilizer and the planting of crops like corn, beans, and squash together—a method known as the "Three Sisters." This knowledge significantly boosted the Pilgrims' chances of survival and helped them adapt to the unfamiliar environment of New England.

The other figures mentioned had important roles in early American history, but their contributions did not specifically focus on agricultural techniques in relation to the Pilgrims. Massasoit was a leader of the Wampanoag tribe and did have a significant relationship with the Pilgrims, but it was Squanto who provided direct assistance with agriculture. John Smith is mainly known for his leadership and contributions to the Jamestown settlement, while Roger Williams is recognized for founding Rhode Island and advocating for religious freedom, but he was not involved with the Pilgrims' agriculture.