Why did half the Plymouth colonists die first winter?

Half the Plymouth colonists died during their first winter primarily due to a combination of harsh weather, inadequate shelter, and limited food supplies. Many were unprepared for the severe conditions and suffered from malnutrition and diseases like scurvy and pneumonia. Additionally, the lack of experience in farming and hunting in the new environment hindered their ability to sustain themselves. The support from local Indigenous peoples, particularly the Wampanoag, eventually helped the survivors learn essential survival skills.