2.3 Early English Settler Accounts

Early English settlers came to America for religious freedom, economic opportunities, and territorial expansion. Their accounts, like those of John Smith and William Bradford, shaped American identity through vivid descriptions and themes of perseverance.

These writings established enduring myths of the American frontier and exceptionalism. They also documented the challenges settlers faced and their complex relationships with indigenous peoples, which had long-lasting impacts on both communities.

Early English Settler Accounts

Motivations of early English settlers

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• Religious freedom drove many settlers to the New World
  • Puritans aimed to create a society that reflected their religious convictions and values
  • Separatists, including the Pilgrims, sought to break away from the Church of England and practice their faith independently
• Economic opportunities lured settlers with promises of prosperity
  • Potential for acquiring land and building wealth in the colonies
  • Establishment of lucrative trade networks and commercial ventures (fur, tobacco)
• Expansion of English territory fueled by competition with other European nations
  • Desire to establish a strong colonial presence in the Americas
  • Rivalry with Spain, France, and the Netherlands for control of resources and strategic locations

Literary styles in settler accounts

• John Smith's accounts characterized by descriptive and promotional language
  • Emphasized the untapped potential and riches of the New World to attract settlers and investors
  • Highlighted his own leadership skills and heroic actions (Pocahontas story) to bolster his reputation
  • Depicted indigenous peoples as both helpful allies and dangerous threats, reinforcing the "noble savage" trope
  • Focused on the challenges faced by settlers and their ability to overcome adversity through perseverance
• William Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" written in plain, direct prose
  • Writing style reflected Puritan ideals of simplicity, honesty, and clarity
  • Emphasized themes of divine providence and the Puritan mission to create a godly society
  • Portrayed the establishment of Plymouth Colony as part of God's plan and a testament to the settlers' faith
  • Highlighted the importance of community, shared values, and religious devotion in the face of hardship

Impact on American identity

• Contributed to the enduring myth of the American frontier
  • Portrayed the New World as a land of boundless opportunity and adventure, attracting future generations of settlers
  • Emphasized the resilience, self-reliance, and resourcefulness of early settlers as quintessential American traits
• Influenced the development of American exceptionalism
  • Promoted the idea of America as a "city upon a hill," a model society with a unique destiny and purpose
  • Reinforced belief in the superiority of American values, institutions, and way of life
• Left a lasting impact on American literature and historical narratives
  • Established recurring themes (frontier, individualism, divine mission) that shaped the American literary canon
  • Played a crucial role in forming popular perceptions and understanding of early American history and national identity

Challenges and indigenous relationships

• Settlers faced numerous challenges in establishing viable colonies
  • Constructing shelters and infrastructure in unfamiliar and often hostile environments (Jamestown, Plymouth)
  • Developing effective systems of governance, law, and social organization to maintain order and stability
  • Securing reliable supplies and maintaining trade connections with Europe to ensure survival
• Relationships with indigenous peoples marked by initial cooperation and increasing conflict
  • Early settlers relied on native knowledge and assistance for navigation, food procurement (corn), and agricultural techniques
  • Cultural differences, misunderstandings, and competing land use practices led to growing tensions and violence
  • European diseases (smallpox, measles) decimated indigenous populations, disrupting traditional societies and power structures
  • Long-term consequences of European settlement proved devastating for indigenous communities
    • Displacement from ancestral lands and loss of traditional ways of life due to encroachment and forced relocation
    • Massive population decline and societal collapse resulting from disease, warfare, and exploitation
    • Ongoing struggles to maintain sovereignty, cultural identity, and land rights in the face of persistent colonization and marginalization