The reciprocity of exchange was necessary for the survival of both the Natives and the English. The Pilgrims arrived in Dec 1620 and had a very hard time surviving the harsh winter. The Wampanoag saw the pilgrims struggling to survive in a new land. The pilgrims brought women and children with them so they weren’t seen as a threat by Massasoit, Chief of the Wampanoag. The Wompanoag suffered through an epidemic from 1617 to 1619. This weakened the Native peoples and made them vulnerable to rival tribes. Massasoit saw an opportunity to be allies with the pilgrims and came about a sort of treaty with the pilgrims. This exchange of protection and goods lead to an alliance of two weakened groups of people who needed each other to survive. This
