 When it appeared that the war would resume , four of the New England colonies ( Massachusetts Bay , Connecticut , New Haven , and Plymouth ) formed a defensive compact known as the United Colonies of New England . Edward Winslow was already known for his diplomatic skills , and he was the chief architect of the United Colonies . His experience in the United Provinces of the Netherlands during the Leiden years was key to organizing the confederation . John Adams later considered the United Colonies to be the prototype for the Articles of Confederation , which was the first attempt at a national government . 
