Trade networks could become more familiar.

The unique position that protected Tisquantum might not last forever.

That may help explain the urgency of his political maneuvering.

Again, the sources do not reveal his inner calculations directly.

But structurally, his leverage was greatest early.

He had reason to use it while he had it.

The irony is that the strategy appears to have made his position more dangerous.

By trying to become more influential, he angered Ousamequin.

By becoming indispensable to Plymouth, he made the English willing to defy Ousamequin.

His protection therefore depended increasingly on the colony whose presence was transforming his homeland.