Introduce the Wampanoag Native Americans and tell a little bit about them, describing the ceremony they held after the harvest. Next, introduce the pilgrims and their journey to the New World. Describe some of the difficulties they faced and the aid they received from Squanto and the Wampanoag, then go over the 1621 Wampanoag-Pilgrim Treaty. Have students compare the first Thanksgiving to modern-day Thanksigivng traditions. After this, explain how and why Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday. Ask students to recall what occurred during Lincoln’s presidency that made him want to unite the country.