American Experience Season 21 Episode 5 We Shall Remain (Part 1): After the Mayflower

We Shall Remain (Part 1): After the Mayflower is the fifth episode of the 21st season of the American Experience TV show. This episode explores the aftermath of the arrival of the Mayflower in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The story is told through the perspectives of both the colonists and the Wampanoag tribe, who witnessed the arrival of the colonists and had to adapt to their presence on their land.

The episode follows the journey of the Pilgrims and their attempts to establish a colony in the New World. They faced numerous hardships, including harsh weather and disease, and were saved from starvation thanks to the help of the native people, who taught them how to cultivate crops in the unfamiliar terrain. The English settlers, in turn, introduced new diseases to the Wampanoag nation, leading to the death of many of their people.

The story also highlights the complex and often tense relationship between the colonists and the Wampanoag tribe. Initially, the two groups formed a fragile alliance based on mutual need, but tensions soon arose over issues such as land ownership and cultural differences. As the English population grew and started to encroach further into Wampanoag territory, conflicts became more frequent and violent.

Through interviews with historians and community members, as well as archival footage and reenactments, the episode provides a nuanced look at the events that unfolded in the aftermath of the Mayflower's arrival. It sheds light on the perspectives of both the colonists and the Wampanoag people, and offers insight into the challenges they faced as they navigated a rapidly changing world.

We Shall Remain (Part 1): After the Mayflower is the first part of a five-part series that explores the history and legacy of Native American nations. It serves as an important reminder of the complex and often tragic history that shaped America, and provides insights into the struggles and resilience of the Wampanoag people in the face of immense adversity.