William Bradford

"Embarkation of the Pilgrims," by Robert Walter Weir. William Bradford is depicted at center, kneeling in the background, symbolically behind Gov. John Carver (holding hat) whom Bradford would succeed.

Place of birth

Date of birth

• 1590

Date of death (if applicable)

• 1657

Place of death (if applicable)

Burial location (if mentioned)

Interesting facts about this author’s childhood

Marriage and family

Place(s) where this author lived. Include dates and explain how

each place influenced them.• Plymouth Colony 1620-1657

• Bradford wrote about his experiences there.

How did this author become inspired to write?

• Traveled to the New World and wrote about the founding of Plymouth Plantation and the Pilgrims’ experiences in History of Plymouth Plantation. As leader of Plymouth Colony, he helped write the “Mayflower Compact.”

Where applicable, explain any obstacles this writer faced.

How successful was this author during his/her lifetime?

• First leader and re-elected to governor of Plymouth Colony 30 times.

• However, History not published until 1856

If the author wasn’t successful or popular at the time of their death,

explain how and why they are still well known today.

• History published 1856.

• Important to our understanding of origins of the USA

Why is this author considered influential?

• He provided an understanding of early Americans and the Puritan religion.

• Governor of Plymouth Colony for a long time

• Mayflower Compact influenced the Constitution

Identify five (5) characteristics of this author

• determination

• self-sacrifice

• unswerving Puritan belief (devout)

• good leader

• good writer

• all seen as he survived coming to the new world and became an important and popular leader.