FTCE Pre-K Prekindergarten PK-3 Practice Exam

Which group faced starvation during their first winter in the New World?

1. Pilgrims in Plymouth

2. Puritans in Salem

3. Settlers in Jamestown

4. French explorers in Quebec

The correct answer is: Pilgrims in Plymouth

The Pilgrims in Plymouth faced starvation during their first winter in the New World. Upon arriving in 1620, the Pilgrims encountered a harsh winter that significantly impacted their survival rates. They were unprepared for the severe weather and difficult conditions, which led to a shortage of food. Many of the settlers succumbed to illness, and nearly half of the initial group did not survive that first winter primarily due to a lack of resources and the challenges of farming in an unfamiliar environment. In contrast, other groups mentioned, such as the Puritans and the settlers in Jamestown, had different experiences during their early years. The Puritans, who arrived in the late 1620s, were better prepared and more focused on community support and agriculture. Similarly, Jamestown settlers, despite facing hardships, including conflicts with indigenous peoples and disease, did not experience starvation in the same acute manner during their initial winter as the Pilgrims did. The French explorers' experiences in Quebec were also characterized by different challenges, including trade and relations with Native Americans rather than starvation as a predominant issue during their first winter.