The
Pilgrims ’
Experiment
Socialism
with
By Rebekka Parry
The Pilgrims and economics don ’ t usually fall in the same textbook chapter , but maybe they should . The story of the Pilgrims shows us sacrificial commitment , selfgovernment , and an example of honest relations with Native Americans . William Bradford , in Of Plymouth Plantation , describes their vision in the following : “ Lastly , ( and which was not least ), a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation , or at least to make some way thereunto , for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world ; yea , though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work .”
Often our study of their “ good foundation ” ends with the first Thanksgiving . But the story certainly didn ’ t end there . Shortly after that historical event , another ship arrived from England with more people and almost no supplies . The food supply continued to be a severe struggle for the new colony . By the spring of 1623 , they were desperate . What made the difference ? They added private enterprise to their farming . Up to this point , they had committed to sharing everything equally , no matter the age , effort , etc . It would be all distributed “ fairly ” in a communal plantation .
This socialistic system always sounds attractive . We all want fairness . Our kids are constantly reminding us of that , right ? But does fairness mean we should all receive equally ? We are constantly bombarded with the idea that the “ rich ” in our nation haven ’ t paid their “ fair share ” in taxes . Politicians push for their concept of economic equality in our society . It ’ s our job to show our kids that this isn ’ t God ’ s way . The Pilgrims provide a great example of perfect “ fairness ” failing .
You couldn ’ t ask for a godlier group of people to give socialism a shot . And it failed miserably ! Motivation dwindled when effort , strength , or rank led to no greater benefit . Bradford summarized it in the following : “ The failure of this experiment of communal service , which was tried for several years , and by good and honest men proves the emptiness of the theory of Plato and the other ancients , applauded by some of the later times ,— that the taking away of private property , and the possession of it in community , by a commonwealth , would make a state happy and flourishing ; as if they were wiser than God . For in this instance , community of property ( so far as it went ) was found to breed much confusion and discontent and retard much employment which would have been to the general benefit and comfort .”
The young men didn ’ t like working for other families without added profit . The older men thought this system was disrespectful to their age and experience . This commu-
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