How Is William Bradford A Good Leader

William Bradford – A Born Leader of Plymouth The decision to leave Holland, England to trek across the Atlantic Ocean and settle in the new world of America was extremely difficult for the Separatists. Their 65-day journey was hindered by rough seas, hunger, sickness and even death before even landing. Once arrived, the need for a leader was at its highest when Plymouth’s first governor, John Carver, had died. William Bradford becoming the new and eventual 30-year governor of Plymouth Colony, gave us one of the most detailed and substantial literary works of American history. His truly inspiring leadership of the first successful English colony in North America is highlighted in “Of Plymouth Plantation” where the Bradford gives us one of

In his account, Bradford makes clear that the first colony of America did begin without struggles and difficulties. One quote to focus comes from Bradford himself in “Of Plymouth Plantation”, “It was answered, that all great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties and must be both enterprised and overcome with answerable courages. It was granted the dangers were great, but not desperate; the difficulties were many, but not invincible” (Bradford Ch. 4). Written before even leaving their homeland of England, William Bradford knows and prepares for what is to come on the journey to the New World. He acknowledges that the dangers and difficulties faced may be substantial, but they are not insurmountable. Instead, they can be overcome with determination and courage. This sense of perseverance and resilience that Bradford has in him is what would eventually create a great governor and leader of the Plymouth Colony. Even in times of death and despair, William Bradford was a strong and determined leader who was able to navigate the setbacks that the colonists faced in the early years of the settlement. He worked tirelessly to ensure the survival of the colony, and the actions outlined in his literature helped to lay the

He was deeply committed to building a community that was based on these values, and he worked to create a culture that was respectful and inclusive. Bradford understood the purpose of coming to the New World as part of the Separatist movement. A quote that projects religious leadership of William Bradford and a reminder of why the Puritans made their journey to America is:

“What could now sustain them but the spirit of God and his grace? May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great [ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard their voice, and looked on their adversity, etc. Let them therefore praise the Lord, because he is good, and his mercies endure forever” (Bradford Ch. 9).

Bradford seemingly turned to prayer and faith in God in order to overcome his challenges, and fully believed that God answered the colony’s prayers and helped them through their difficult circumstances. Not only was William Bradford an optimistic leader and writer, he was also a faithful one. As a leader in a religious community, he writes with hope in the plan of God and gives a continual reminder to his people that God's mercy is enduring and that the Pilgrims had much to be thankful for, despite the difficulties they