How accurately does this exchange reflect the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia? What about elsewhere in the North American colonies?
This exchange reflects how unstable the relationships between the two communities were. They had the times in which they trade and share laughs and possibly eat together at times. But there were also times where each side may have briefly lived in fear from being attacked by each other. For example, in the Powhatan chief's message, he wrote that his military and he were not able to sleep because they needed to watch the forest and listen to the sounds so that if Captain Smith was coming his village could prepare for an attack. And after reading how this exchange was worded, one could see that the messages summed up how both sides felt about the situation at that time. But even though the Native Americans and Virginia settlers didn't get along, that doesn't mean that all relationships with Native Americans weren't good. In some situations there was a bit of friendliness between both sides, but not really complete trust.
This article very accurately shows the exchanges between the Native Americans and the British settles of Virginia. The Native Americans are fearful of the settlers because they attack the Native Americans to get food and supplies even though the Native Americans would be willing to share with the settlers and give them tips if they came in peace. The Native Americans suggest having a friendly trade in order to help the settlers and to ensure their own safety. The article shows the differences in what the Native Americans and the settlers want and it shows how much they struggled to get along. This article correctly reflects the exchange between the British settlers of Virginia and the Native Americans, but as Evan pointed out, there were other places in North America where the settlers and the Native Americans were friendly towards each other but still remained separate.
This source is an example of a peaceful exchange between British settlers and the Native Americans. In my opinion, the document is a good reflection as to what each side wanted, the settlers wanting food in order to survive, and the Natives wanting peace in order to survive. This is a good example of what most everyone wanted no matter what colony is being analyzed. The document also shows that each side does not have complete trust in one another which seems to suggest that there have been instances where the settlers and Native Americans did not get along too well. I know in other colonies such as Massachusetts the British relied heavily on the Native Americans for their supply of corn, which proves that this document could apply to other colonies as well. Emily B.
This document accurately reflects the reciprocal relationship between Native Americans and the British settlers. The Natives recognized that the settlers had superior technology (metal and weapons). The settlers understood that the Native Americans had superior knowledge of how to survive in this new land. The Native Americans wanted to have access to this superior technology but also felt threatened by it. In turn, the settlers needed the Native Americans to learn how to grow food to survive. However, they still had their differences. The Native Americans lived in fear of the settlers as demonstrated when the Powhatan says “and such trash, and be so hunted by you.” These people were thrust together and it just so happened they could benefit from what the other knew. But it is important to remember that the settlers took over Native American land. Saying that these people had no differences and that their relationship was completely peaceful is simply not true. In other colonies the British prospered on the crops that the Natives showed them. The middle colonies were important centers for mercantilism. Once the colonies began to grow, they traded with the Natives. This happened in Providence. However, some colonies did not treat Natives well and took their land and did not give them anything in return, this was the case in New England. It was not always peaceful and mutually beneficial. Alaina B.
This excerpt from "Historyie" displays an interaction where both sides are seeking peace between the settlers and the Native Americans. The Native Americans (represented by Powhatan) were exasperated from the British coming onto their land and using their resources, and the settlers (represented by Smith) needed help from the Native Americans in order to survive because they were not accommodated to their new style of living. Both Smith and Powhatan both needed to rely on each other; both needed something from each other-the settlers wanting food from the Native Americans, and the Native Americans wanting peace in return, along with the manufactured goods from England Smith was willing to trade. Their exchange shows how they both wanted something from the other and were able to peacefully communicate with one another and fulfill their needs, which are how many other interactions were with the settlers and Native Americans in other colonies. From my understanding of other colonies in North America, I remember learning about how the settlers got along very well with the Natives up in New England, but there were areas where there were wars among the two sides in the Mid-West (i.e. Battle of Little Bighorn). Isabel S.
This document accurately shows the unease and wariness that the interactions between the Native Americans and the British caused. The language of both shows that, although they had peaceful times and there may have been an understanding between Smith and Powhatan, the relationship between the two groups was defensive. Both leaders basically openly threaten each other, Powhatan with the slow starvation of the settlers should the Native Americans leave, and Smith with his statement that the settlers had weapons and would walk around with them 24/7. They apparently had a constant struggle over trade and general warring that was intermittent with peace, rather than having a peaceful situation occasionally broken by war. This type of relationship left both groups on edge, and probably any slight provocation would set off a fight. Provocations probably came easily as well, since the settlers and natives were two extremely different groups with different beliefs, values, and social norms. Although some mutually friendly relationships between settlers and natives may have occurred, in general, the wariness shown in this excerpt accurately portrays the relationship that developed in the other colonies as well. Because of this, multiple fights between the settlers and the Native Americans occurred.
This exchange very accurately reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the British settlers because it clearly defines the problems as well as the advantages of the two living near each other. On one hand neither the settlers nor the Native Americans trust each other because the British stole food from the Native Americans while at the same time getting attacked periodically by the Native Americans with their bows and arrows. On the other hand they somewhat get along because they are able to trade with one another in order to help both the tribe and colony prosper. Throughout this excerpt they are both constantly reminding each other of the fact that they could easily destroy one another, but choose not to because of the fact they need each other in order to survive in the world. Neither side truly wanted a war. This shows that despite their unstable relationship, they are able to get along for at least a little while for the sake of their group. This relationship might be the case for this particular tribe and group of settlers, however the relationships elsewhere could greatly vary. Some tribes might be able to get along just fine with their neighboring colony with minimal distrust between the two. Other tribes could go into an all-out war with their neighboring colony and not get along at all. How well the settlers and tribes get along solely depends on the settlers and the tribes ability to compromise, therefore the relationship between Powhattan and Captain Smith is not necessarily consistent with the relationships between other tribes and settlers.
This document does accurately describe the relationship between the two groups in Virginia. The Native Americans aren’t very happy that the settlers came and used their resources. The settlers aren’t accustomed to having to start from scratch, so they need the help of the Native Americans. This source also shows the respect that each group has for the other. They are able to sit down and describe their problems and find away to help each other. The relationship that the Virginians had with the Native Americans can be seen in other colonies, especially the middle colonies. The middle colonies learned from the Native Americans and developed a good relationship. This was not the case in the northern colonies. The settlers took their land by force, thus creating unrest between the settlers and the Native Americans Seyi G.
This exchange accurately reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the British settlers in Virginia; because they each had things the other needed to survive. The British settlers did not know how to grow crops on this new land and they needed help from the Native Americans, because they were accustomed to living on this land. On the other hand the Native Americans needed the weapons that the British settlers had, because they needed better protection, the Native Americans realized that their bows and arrows were not sufficient enough to protect them from the British settlers. They each had a weakness and that was that the other had something they needed to survive. The Powhatan and Captain Smith’s exchange was peaceful but I know that in reality it was not always like that, because many people died fighting during wars in order to protect themselves and their land. In other colonies the Native Americans and British settlers fought because they could not come to an agreement or they simply did not understand each other, and saw one another as intruder to what they believed was their land. -Vanessa C.
This exchange reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the Virginia colonists pretty well. Both sides see what there is to be gained by working together, and what could be lost through war. At the same time, neither side quite trusts the other which can be seen in the subtle threats used in each letter. This creates a fragile relationship in which both parties benefit, but at the slightest provocation could turn to war. As for the rest of the colonies, this article says nothing. Other parts of the New World have different relationships with the natives, the north having killed most of them and the south killed and enslaved many others. Few other places have relationships with the natives that are this good.
This exchange between Powhatan and Smith reflects native-settler relations remarkably well. The natives were afraid to interact with the British colonists because of the colonists' hostility and violent, takeover attitudes. Eventually, the colonists and natives learned to interact peacefully, leading to the rise of the Virginia colony. One of the main reasons colonies survived was that the native americans gave the colonists tips on farming and what to grow and when to grow it. This article also hints at other colony's relations with the natives, especially Massachusetts with the pilgrims, and how the natives helped the pilgrims get on their feet and establish a successful colony. Ben S.
This exchange gives the reader both sides of the Native Americans and the English colonists in Virginia. Both sides of the dialogue show that each party meant no harm to the other. The Powhatan chief and John Smith explain that they believe war or arguing is foolish in this situation. The Powhatan chief's speech is an accurate description of how most Native Americans would have felt. The native tribes were scared of the settlers because they would often fight, and kill the tribes with their weapons. We also see the settlers side of the story as well. Captain Smith tells the Powhatan chief that his tribe members have violated some rules that have been set. So even in this peaceful encounter, there is still tension among the two groups. However, the encounter is not accurate in describing the relationship between all tribes and settlers. Other colonies are more hostile towards the Native Americans, and would not even attempt to form a relationship with the natives. This exchange shows that these two groups see the need for the relationship, which sets them apart from other groups in the British colonies. Ellis M.
This exchange very accurately describes the relationship between the Native Americans and the British settlers. Both communities, given their situation, need the aid of one another. The Natives, while on their own they have survived for many years, need the friendship of the settlers, because they stand no chance against the newfangled weapons if they were enemies instead. The British, originating on an entirely different continent, need the Natives' knowledge of the land and crops to avoid starvation and death in winter. Both groups want to be peaceful with one another, and establish a regular trade. However, they still have issues with one another that have yet to be worked out. The Natives are wary of the settlers, knowing that they could be easily overtaken by superior weapons, and Smith tells Powhatan "As for your promise I find it every day violated by some of your subjects," indicating that the settlers feel that the Natives have not held up their end of a bargain. From what I know about other relations between settlers and Natives, this interaction was more civilized and diplomatic than most. Many other settlements would simply take what they wanted from the Natives, and had hostile interactions. As Ellis said, both groups saw an advantage to friendship, unlike other settlements of the time.
This exchange accurately reflects the relationship between the British settlers of Jamestown and the Native Americans of Virginia. As everyone already said in their comments, the settlers of Jamestown and the Powhatan Indians did have their conflicts and differences, but they formed a sort of symbiotic relationship in order to better their lives. While the Powhatan weren't dependent on the Jamestown settlers to survive, they wanted a peaceful relationship with them because they wanted to trade their corn and farming methods for the settler's English goods and also, they were scared of the settler's weapons and didn't want to keep hiding from them. The settlers, however, were incredibly dependent on the Powhatan, because ever since they had arrived in Virginia, they had been faced with many disadvantages. The settlers didn't know the land or how to farm it and many of the settlers had pretty useless occupations for surviving, like being merchants and blacksmiths who didn't know how to farm anyways. From Captain Smith's account in Historyie, Smith and Powhatan settled their differences peacefully through negotiation. This account could have made a few people back in England throw out their negative prejudices of Native Americans being "savages." While this account accurately reflects the relationship between the settlers and Native Americans in Virginia and also the Native Americans and settlers in the Pylmouth settlement in Massachusetts, it doesn't accurately reflect the relationship between many other Euopean settlers and Native Americans. For example, Hernan Cortes and his Spanish conquistadors killed many Aztecs and even caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in Mexico. -Elise K.
This dialogue between John Smith and Chief Powhatan is incredibly accurate in showing the relations between the settlers and natives. Each party strived for peace, and therefor prosperity, but felt threatened by, and didn't quite trust the other. Smith says that as long as the Powhatans trot around with their bows and arrows, the colonists will do the same with their guns, 'just in case.' Each side claims that they have stayed true to their treaty, and that the other has broken it and continued to attack. Regardless of these conflicts though, they still had it in them to trade. In other colonies, however, wars were fought to extinction, such as the lost colony (maybe?). In New England, however, life was comparatively peaceful. There was not much fighting, and life was good. Alex "sam" B.
I hate to disagree with everyone else, but I do not think that this account accurately reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the Virginia colonists at all. As I read it, I felt that it showed the Native Americans as very afraid of the colonists, but the Native Americans far outnumbered the colonists and could have easily massacred the English, who could not have survived by themselves. This account implies that the English let the natives live, but I don't think that that was the case. It reflects the relationship between the natives and colonists in some parts of North America, such as in New England, though those relationships eventually wore thin and led to war anyway. However, it does not reflect relationships in other parts of the continent at all. In Mexico, as Elise pointed out, the colonists massacred the natives for very little reason, while, for example, in Southwest America, the Apache Indians would often raid settlements and were not subdued until the eighteen hundreds.
This particular exchange shows that the two parties do not agree on many things. Smith wants the allegiance of the Powhatan people but wants to use a show of force or superiority to achieve it. In many cases this shows what the settlers did to try to conquer the Native Americans, in essence, they said 'We are better than you, you should give up'. In other colonies this is not the case, in the New England colonies there was still some violence among the tribes but there is significant evidence of at least one positive interaction, Thanksgiving. The overall problem that led to the relations between Virginians and Powhatans is that the Virginia couldn't accept these people's way of life and sought to destroy it. Christian P.
I found that their exchange does not reflect the typical relationship between Native Americans and British settlers. Smith and Powhatan established discourse between themselves attempting to avoid war and violence. Their communication is unusual, it may not have been the most friendly but it at least attempted at peace. There is obvious uneasiness and distrust between them. Both Powhatan and Smith dislike the idea of the other holding weapons when visiting. They also both seem to think that they hold the advantage over the other. Yet in both cases the groups do not want to start a war between themselves, and are trying to build up each others trust. I felt that in a typical relationship between settlers and Native Americans, all attempts at cooperation would be futile. English settlers viewed the Native Americans as 'savages' and not entitled to the land, they wanted the land to farm and the Native Americans were in there way. The Native Americans did not want to give up their homes, and hated the idea of being pushed back. This often caused violence and brutality between themselves. Powhatan and Captain John Smith actually established a talking relationship to have some peace, this unfortunately was not common in the settlement of British colonists. Margaret B.
Powhatan is scared ad doesn't understand why John Smith and the Virginians are so aggressive. He says that peace is much better than war, and what you can get with love and peace is the same as what you can get with war. The Native Americans under Powhatan traded with the colonists and at times it was good and it was peaceful, but other times there were conflicts. This is a reflection of some of the interactions between the two cultural groups at the time, but not all. In other places in America, the Native Americans were killed or driven off by the colonists, so John's attempt to be peaceable is admirable, but it was one of desperation. The Virginians were dying from disease and malnutrition. Powhatan and his people helped the newcomers by trading food for English goods, and by teaching them effective farming techniques. When Powhatan says that he and his people can hide their goods and flee to live in the forest, he means this as a threat, as without them, the colonists would surely die. John Smith counters with an even bigger threat by saying that Powhatan did not know yet how cruel the English could be, and how good they were at killing. This exchange was as much a battle between tribes as any Smith or Powhatan had seen before, but instead of only warriors dieing, it was an entire tribe, or and entire village.
While this exchange does not reflect Virginian relations with the Native Americans as a whole, it does show what their brief peace looked like. Throughout their history with the Native Americans, the Virginian colonists suffered from frequent attacks. These attacks were a major contributor to the majority of the settlers dying over the first year. Clearly diplomacy was not part of their relationship at the beginning. However, when Captain John Smith convinced the colonists that good relations with the Native Americans were crucial and both groups began to depend on each other, this exchange would accurately represent their interactions. Both groups needed each other for trade, but neither trusted the other fully. They would have had a very delicate, tentative peace, as is shown through this communication. Every colony had different interactions with their local Native Americans. Some, such as the Pennsylvania colony and the famous story of Plymouth, had at least times of peace and diplomacy. Others had relations that could be summed up by war. Overall, there were very few instances, even in colonies that had brief times of peace with Native Americans, where the settlers communicated with Native Americans with the same diplomacy as Captain John Smith. -Phoebe W.
This document is reliable due to it being written by John Smith himself and therefore there would be minimal differences between what the document portrayed and what actually happened. The document showed that the Native Americans and settlers recognized that they could have a symbiotic relationship if they could respect each other and come to truth each other. The Native Americans knew war and knew that war was not something they wanted. Therefore they agreed to a peaceful relationship from which they could also benefit from. John Smith was one of the first to try maintaining good relations with neighboring Indians and it ended up saving his colony. From then on more colonies traded with Indians and tried to keep relationships peaceful. However this type of relationship was rare and more often than not colonies and Indian tribes were continuously fighting. This document shows a brave move by a good leader; Captain John Smith, but it does not accurately show the relations between Indians and colonies elsewhere. This is because settlers and Native Americans could never truth each other fully and settlers were greedy.
This source is not accurate from a historical standpoint. The settlers did depend on the Native Americans for many of their ideas and resources. From an opinionated standpoint, this source is accurate at a local and national level. Recognizing this source was constructed for the King, John Smith accordingly denies some of the accusations Powhatan claims. "For your riches we have no use: as for the hiding your provision, or by your flying to the woods, we shall not so unadvisedly starve as you conclude, your friendly care in that behalfe is needlesse, for we have a rule to finde beyond your knowledge." Smith believes his colonists are self-sufficient and can provide their own resources. This source displays the different perspectives of the relationship between the colonists and Native Americans, but it is too biased to be categorized as historically accurate. Maggie H
This exchange accurately portrays the relationship between the Native Americans and the English settlers in Virginia, simply for the fact that it is a primary source. It shows how the two different groups of people can want to benefit from each other, while they still show distrust and question the outcome of military action. The Native Americans realize that the English have some superior technology, including weapons that would prove most devastating in any attack against them, but promise that they can be of more help as allies than as foes. The English recognize that the Natives have great knowledge of the land that could allow the colonies to thrive, but often feel suspicious and “violated” by some of the Natives. This example of a relationship that is torn between war and peaceful trade is not only reflective of this Virginian colony, but the other North American colonies as well. Nile R
The article very accurately shows the relationship the Native Americans had with the settlers. Through the article,youre able to see there was some hostility between the two. The Native Americans said that they just wanted to live in peace and prosperity but the settlers posed a threat with invading the Natives. Essentially they both wanted peace and the settlers,with their current condition, were determined to get what they what in whatever means necessary. The natives saw that the Settlers had a superior advantage against them with guns but the Settlers knew the Natives had superior knowledge of the land. It was sort of a...bittersweet relationship between the two,like Nile noted on his comment, the Settlers felt “violated” by some of the Natives while the Natives themselves were somewhat paranoid (with good reason) of the Settlers attacking. I'm sure this is a great example of how other Settlers/Natives experiences were throughout the North American colonies,it was never very peaceful.
This source us a conversation between the Powhatan and Captain John Smith that took place in Virginia in 1608. They were just talking to each other, without an audience, so you can trust that this is actually what each of them said, although parts may not be true because they could have been lying to each other. Throughout all my years of education, I have learned that the colonists didn't treat Native Americans with respect. Knowing this, as I read I trusted what the Powhatan says, but when I got to John Smith's monologue, I found myself doubting almost everything he said. This source was most likely made so that the Colonists and Native Americans could figure out their relationship with each other based on what their leaders said. Since Captain Smith gets the last word, it seem slightly biased towards him because the Powhatan couldn't respond or argue with what he said. This conversation is a representation of how colonists treated the Native Americans. They would tell them ridiculous things to make the Native Americans work for them and accept the colonists as their leaders. The Powhatan's main question is: why do the colonists hurt us when all we do is show them how to survive and attempt to be their friend? Captain Smith's reply is that that is how British people treat their friends. What they do to their enemies is much worse. This is a complete lie. The war between the Native Americans and the Colonists was no different than any other war of the time, besides the fact that the Native Americans didn't have guns, which put them at even more of a disadvantage.
This exchange in part is an accurate representation of the relationship between Native Americans and Jamestown settlers; however it is not necessarily consistent with other British colonies. The portrayal of trust within this document is undercut by a false tone. Although Smith and Powhatan express their desires for peace, there is a lack of faith for this to become the customary behavior. The suspicion of each other’s actions and intentions exemplifies other traditional colonial-Native American relations during rare times of peace. This exchange is aberrancy compared to other interactions between the British settlers and Native Americans in terms of aspiration to achieve a peaceful and symbiotic relationship. Many colonists outside of the Jamestown settlement viewed Native Americans as “barbaric” and wanted to annihilate these people instead of developing a harmonious relationship that is discussed by Smith and Powhatan. Colonist and Native Americans as a whole have not always strived for peace, but instead endured turmoil and unrest as their primary diplomatic tactic. Although Smith and Powhatan’s dialogue reflects a more idealistic relationship, this agreement was not the norm for most Native Americans and colonial settlements. Hannah R
The article shows the not very understanding rough relationship they had with one another but accurate. It does not reflect the relationship between all of Virginia and the Natives as a whole. It shows that they have a symbiotic relationship but that they don't necessarily agree on everything one hundred percent. The Natives are intimidated and timid around the settlers which allows them to have the upper hand in most situations, allowing there needs to fall in place before the Powhatan.
I believe that Captain John Smith's account of the relationship with the natives and the British settlers is honest although their statements might not exactly be verbatim. When the British settlers first came they were unprepared and very susceptible to disease and other illnesses because of malnutrition and the new environment. Because of this, at first the exchanges between the natives and the colonists might not have been quite friendly. However, because of the threats and the strain the colonists were causing towards the natives and the hardships the colonists were facing, they started to cooperate for each group's well being. In most of the other North American colonies, it was the same: the colonists needed the natives to help them survive the winter and the natives wanted some of the goods the Europeans brought.
The exchange between the Native American leader Powhatan and Captain John Smith is typical of the time period in Virginia’s colonization in which it took place, but the relationship between the Jamestown colonists and the Native Americans deteriorated in 1609 and was much more hostile prior to the intercourse this document refers to. When the English arrived and settled in Jamestown, they were attacked because of the negative experiences Native Americans had with Spanish colonists. Following the documented exchange, conflicts escalated because Smith resorted to aggressive tactics to appropriate food. When assessed as a whole, Virginia’s colonization was not as peaceful and conducive to negotiation as the text suggests. However, the text does exemplify normal cultural disparities and resulting conflicts between the two groups that were present across North America. For example, Captain Smith holds Powhatan responsible for the presumed perfidy of the Native American’s “subjects” but fails to recognize how little cohesiveness there is in the natives’ society. It was not uncommon for colonists in North America to reach a treaty with one tribe and then retaliate for an offense committed by a completely separate Native American group. Miscommunication frequently brought warfare along with it.
This exchange reflects the type of symbiotic relationship that the Native Americans and the Colonists strived to have. However, throughout this conversation you can also easily see the fear of betrayal that threatens to break apart the relationship that is working, for now. They seem to come to an understanding over the fact that the Native Americans want nothing of the Colonists and are willing to give the Colonists what they want. However the Chief seems to tread lightly knowing of the greedy nature of Captain Smiths people and the war that is likely to follow them. It seems as though the trust they are trying to lay down is merely superficial.
This exchange between Powattan leader and John Smith shows the tension between the two communities. In my opinion, however, this does not accurately reflect the relation between the Natives and the English settlers. From past studies we can say that when the English settlers arrived they were in need of assistance from the Natives. When reading this passage I sensed a lot of fear from the Natives. It seemed that the Powattan leader was trying to convince John Smith into forming an alliance. John Smith, on the other hand, seemed very confident and talked as if the Natives were the ones at his mercy. By reading the blurb that preceded the passage I concluded that John Smith was the one who actually needed help and was at the mercy of the Native Americans. If this is true why would John Smith talk with such confidence? I would have expected Smith to be the one who was trying to convince the Powattan leader into keeping a good relationship.
This document accurately portrays the fragile relationship between the Powhatan and the British, but does not necessarily reflect other, more tumultuous, relationships endured by other groups. Clearly the relationship between John Smith and the Powhatan is unstable, but the degree of communication between the groups suggests that their relationship was far superior to those between settlers and natives of the North and of the Southwest. The cultural discrepancies, disorganization, and lack of empathy between Smith and the Powhatan is very evident, and these barriers made trade difficult and dangerous. Similarly, provocation, sometimes subtle or unintentional, kindled tension and prompted brief episodes of fighting – but mutual material dependencies emphasized the continuous need for collaboration. Mutuality was clearly uncommon between settlers and natives, but I suspect the amount of effort devoted to diplomacy strongly correlated with the success of each individual colony.
In terms of the actual language exchanged, I think John Smith may have exaggerated the word choice of Powhatan but I do believe the impression of the relationship left by this exchange is highly accurate. The colonists are unwanted intruders that claim land that has been part of the Native American way of life for centuries; naturally there will be tension and distrust between the two groups. However, despite this hostility, it is heartening to see how economic interdependence can lead to a tentative peace between two contentious groups. Perhaps if this same approach had been applied in other colonies more Native Americans would be on the east coast today.
This exchange fairly accurately portrays the relationship between the British settlers and Native Americans in Virginia for the time that it took place. Powhatan’s message was pretty straightforward; he and the Native Americans were frightened of the settlers and their superior weaponry, but they knew that the settlers could not survive without their assistance. John Smith’s reply was more misleading; the text suggests that the settlers could stay alive without the Native Americans and they let them live out of kindness, when in reality the settlers were equally afraid of the Native Americans and their superior numbers and knowledge of the land. They also knew that they could not survive without the help of the Natives, but they tried to assert their dominance by masking their fear and helplessness. Both sides knew that they would lose if there was war, so they settled for a tentative peace and chose to trade with each other. However, this relationship only applied to this region at this time. In New England, the settlers and Native Americans constantly alternated between war and peace, and there were several massacres of both sides. There were also conflicts in the Jamestown region before and after this exchange, especially after Powhatan died. -Ben C.
This documented interaction between the two very different cultures reflects the extent of how misunderstood each group was. The Native Americans thought that the British were there to destroy their country and the British thought the Native Americans weren’t willing to compromise. It’s a fairly accurate depiction of exchanges between tribes and settlers in Virginia because they needed each other even though their trustworthiness was always in question. The tribes needed peace between them and the settlers so they can live without fear and the settlers needed peace so they can be provided of food and necessary raw materials. This peaceful interaction cannot be accurate for the rest of the North American Colonies and the other American tribes. Many tribes were not so kind to intruders, who they thought were there to destroy their country, thus making the settlers more hostile. –Brenda herrera
This exchange shows that cooperation between Native American and colonist was achievable, but not easy. For a long time the two exchanged punches with each other before they learned that they could work together. Even as the two leaders are meeting you can see how they still resent and are somewhat afraid of the other. Powhatan points out how the colonist tried to take resources by force before asking for them, and how he realizes that Captain Smith does not respect the tribe’s intelligence. Captain Smith comes back saying that he finds Native Americans attacking his land often, and how he uncharacteristically brushes off these actions because of what the tribe has done for his people. This rocky relationship is a lot like what happened in the New England colonies. Colonist and Native Americans often fought, but sometimes did have good relationships with them such as the Thanksgiving celebration. This type of relationship between the two factions is common throughout the colonies.
This source seems to represent the relationship between the settlers and the natives very well. Both sides were fearful of attack from the other, shown by the fact that they both carried their weapons at all times. Both Powhatan and Captain Smith knew they would need the help of the other, although in this particular source it seems as if Powhatan was more willing to cooperate than Smith was. This exchange is also representative of the settler-native relationship in other areas as well. Especially when settlers first came to America, there were many attacks on both groups. Eventually though, both groups had created trade relations. While slightly unstable at times, the trading was beneficial for both the colonists and the natives across the country.
This exchange between Captain Smith and Powhatan shows the relashionship between the natives and the settlers. Although many Colonies in the north got along well with the natives, they most likely went through a rough patch in the beggining just like Captain Smith and his settlers.Both sides, the natives and the settlers are afraid of the other side attaching. Because of this, they both want peace, but niether of them seem to be willing to take the first step. The settlers want to learn from the natives how to live in the new world, but they dont want much effort from their own side. Both sides are on th defensive, and they later learn that they are going to have to put those defenses aside and work together.
I believe that this document is mostly accurate when it comes to how the Native Americans and the British settlers in Virginia felt about each other. The only part that I don’t think is completely true is how Captain Smith claims that the settlers no longer require the Native Americans’ assistance for survival. The British settlers had very limited knowledge about the country which made them dependant upon the Powhatan Indians. The reason this accurately reflects the relationship between the two groups is because Powhatan told Smith exactly how he felt about the situation between them and what his people were going through while Smith just stretched the truth to establish dominance. Overall, I think the Virginian settlers and the Powhatan had a decent relationship with each other, at least compared to the constant fighting between Native Americans and British settlers in other regions of North America.
This exchange clearly shows how the two parties did not feel that they could work together successfully. The Native Americans felt that the British were going to take advantage of their primal ways; while the British felt that the Native Americans could easily attack them and take away their resources. The relationship was not very promising, to say the least. The Native Americans did threaten to move into the forest if the British were to attack them. I think that this relationship is found throughout all of North America when the British landed. The Native Americans were not happy with the British because they were taking land and they were killing the Native Americans.
I agree with Connor when he says that the two parties could not work together, but I feel as though both were willing to try. The Native Americans felt overwhelmed by the settlers abusive force, but still wanted to create a peaceful way of life with them by saying that what the settlers wanted could be achieved without their guns and weapons, but with love. This source very accurately reflects the relationship between the two groups, but I feel as though both the settlers and the Native American's acted more cocky to try and show how tough they were. For example, when the Native Americans say they will flee and not help the settlers any more, Captain John Smith acts as though this is not a threat, even though the settlers greatly relied on the Native American's help. As for Native American relations in other colonies, it was both good and bad. In colonies such as Pennsylvania, William Penn was able to create treaties with the Native American's and pay them for their land. But in most other colonies the settlers took over and chose to wipe out the Native population.
This exchange fairly accurately reflects the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia and other colonies. Of course in some colonies there would have been more tension and conflict and in others more friendship and peace. The exchange shows both sides’ views of the relationship as well as their hopes for better relationships. They both recognize the importance and benefits of trade and the distrust displayed by both parties coming armed to trade negotiations. Both Powhatan and Smith said that some people in each group disregarded what their leaders hoped for in terms of relations with the other group.
I believe this source shows how unpredictable the relationship between the Native Americans and the new settlers could be. It accurately depicts how their ties can change from warring to peace at the drop of a dime. An example is when each party spoke of their fear of being attacked by the other, but then also mentioned how they had peaceful times or wanted to achieve them. On the other hand, it seemed John Smith's response to Powhatan's want of peace was a bit arrogant. He basically stated the British settlers could survive without any help from the Native Americans, which was definitely not true. Although I'm not sure how relationships in other North American colonies were, I suspect they were quite similar. The settlers were probably just as ignorant in saying they didn't need help from the Native Americans, but still accepted it when convenient. --Maliyah T
This exchange shows that even when the colonist had friendly ties to the Native Americans they always had to stay ready and prepared for anything, same for the Native Americans. These two groups of people though friendly and willing to work with each other and help each other still sometimes just didn’t get along. I would say this was also true for the rest of the colonies too. I would say that honestly the relationship between the two groups is just there in case someone needs the other’s help. I would almost believe, by reading the exchange, that the native Americans and the Virginia colony faked a smile to each other just to keep from turning against each other.
This document does well in describing the uneasy relationship between Native Americans and British settlers. It is clear both sides have something the other side needs, and both try to instate themselves as the more dominant group because of it. The natives seem more invested in trying to build a friendly relationship, which can be seen in how they continue to list the negative side effects that would be present for both sides if a war were to occur. However, John Smith took on a more aggressive stance, saying that the settlement would be fine without the help of the natives and if it were to come to war they would win. Clearly they had a very tense relationship which was on the precipice of war at any false turn. However it seems as though, despite what John Smith insinuates, neither side can afford a war and they will try to stay on friendly terms due to mutual need. This article doesn’t speak to the relationship between the natives and the settlers in other colonies, but it is safe to assume a similar situation in which both sides have something gain by being friends was present there as well, and in that case this probably does an adequate job in summing up their relationship too. Erin H.
The exchange that the Powhatans made with the British settlers is an accurate reflection of their relationship between each other. The Native Americans feared the British settlers because of how the British settlers treated them. Despite this fear that the Native Americans had, they were still willing to make peace with the British settlers. Native Americans believed that if the British settlers showed kindness and love towards the Native Americans, everyone would be in peace. However, the British settlers were very forceful with the Native Americans because that was their way of getting what they wanted. This particular exchange does not portray the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in other colonies however I agree with Erin H. that the relationships between them were most likely similar to what we see in the exchange between Captain John Smith and the Powhatans. Hannah M.
I think this exchange is a very accurate representation if you can read more into it and see past what Captain John Smith said. Since it’s just a record of a conversation, I doubt that it is untruthful. I believe that this is actually what they said for the most part; however I know that the colonists weren’t gracious to the Native Americans in this time period, so I tend to doubt what Captain Smith said more than I doubt the Powhatan. When Captain Smith says this is how they treat their friends, I know it’s a lie just because of my basic knowledge of history. Smith only says this to try to make the Powhatan trust him. I believe most British settlers treated Native Americans in Virginia and other North American colonies like this, if not worse. Americans today still attempt to make it seem like the Native Americans and the colonists had a loving relationship, but over the years I’ve realized otherwise. In a civilized situation like the one in this document, the colonists lie to the Natives to make themselves seem respectful, but still authoritative.
This document illustrates the relationship well. It explains how unstable the relationship was because of fear of each other. It seems very reliable because of the fact that it is a conversation between the two leaders, and it doesn't hide anything. The two men are afraid that the other will turn on them and they are both explaining their fears to the other. When North America was first being found and explored, relationships between the European explorers and the already settled native had always been strained at best. This article does well at giving you an accurate idea at the friendship that has formed between the two colonies.
I think that this discourse between Powhatan and Captain John Smith very accurately demonstrates the relationship between the Native Americans and the settlers not only in Virginia, but also in all of the North American colonies. Communicating in general was awkward because the natives generally had a rudimentary grasp of English. Neither side was willing to let their guard down, as exemplified by the fact that they each refused to go to each other's homes unarmed. In this exchange, the leaders express fears that were felt all over North America by many at the time. The exchange also makes it clear that there is a definite culture clash that makes it difficult for the opposing sides to fully understand each other. Powhatan truly believes that the settlers need the natives' food and that it hurts both sides for them to have to hide it, but this only makes Smith defensive about the settlers' ability to get their own food.
This exchange between the Native Americans and the settlers gives the appearance of a rock relationship between the two groups. Both groups have lived in fear of the other because they don’t trust one another. The Indians basically said that if the settlers attacked they would hide their things and run into the forest which wouldn’t help the settlers at all. The settlers don’t have anywhere to go but they have a fort. Just because the Native Americans and the settlers in Jamestown didn’t always get along that doesn’t mean that all Indian-settler relationships were bad. There were always times where both sides were friendly with each other.
This exchange between the Native Americans and the settlers shows a shacky relationship between the two groups. The natives were afraid to sleep at night because they feared being attacked by the settlers. According to Powhatan, should the settlers attack the natives, they were prepared to flee into the woods and hide their stuff, which would leave the settlers nowhere since they couldn't possibly find the natives if they hid in the woods where they've lived for hundreds of years. Plus, then the settlers would have to watch out for a counter-strike from the natives. However, this does not reflect the entire American colonies, as many colonies had good relationships with the natives. In fact, the French had such good relationships with the natives, they were considered allies and they traded constantly with each other. Even though there were colonies on good terms with the natives, both sides were always at least partially wary of the each other.
The interaction between Captain John Smith and the Powhatans leader seem very accurate because it talks about how a good relationship between them was necessary, but it was also a struggle. The both acknowledge the strengths in the opposite side that help with their weaknesses whether it was knowledge of the land or weapons. It seemed as though Captian John Smith thought he had the upper-hand, but they both admit to having troubles within their own people. This doesn't speak about their realationship with other colonies, but from what I've learned many colonies needed the Indians resources so I'm assuming agreements like this didn't just take place once.
The source accurately and clearly reflects the relationship between Virginia settlers and the Native Americans. Both groups understood that even if they were to rage ‘warre’ against each other, both would suffer immensely. The Indians would have missed their chance for weapons -- guns to fight against other.
The settlers understood that without the Indians, their colony would die from starvation. In order for both the settlers and the Indians to acquire what they needed to survive they had to learn to live in peace. Their very survival depended on it. There were times when both groups feared each other. It was only natural for the Indians to fear the settlers because of their superior weaponry. John Smith quotes Chief Powhatan, “If you would come in a friendly manner to see us, and not thus by means of your guns and swords as to invade your foes.”
Chief Powhatan asked the settlers to come without guns, which showed that he feared not only the settlers but also the weapons they carried.
The settlers were also afraid. They had never seen anything other than “Englanders.” It is hard to imagine anything other than fear on both sides in this type of situation. I think to some extent it does accurately show the relationship between the two groups. In order to survive, the colonies and the Indians would have to work together or perish. Without relationships with the Native Americans, I doubt America would exist today. I believe at some point all colonies would have to create a stable relationship with the Indians.
For example, the New England Colonies mistreated the Indians on a number of occasions. However, they would not have been able to learn how to grow corn in order to avoid starvation if it were not for the Indians. Although both sides feared each other, and fighting did occur, they had to maintain a stable relationship. Both societies would have to put aside their differences to survive. Unless the Indians were able to kill all the settlers and to continue with their way of living, both sides would have to corporate. This was true for almost all of the North American colonies.
The exchange very accurately reflects the instability between the British and Native Americans during the days of the early settlements. Because this is only one document, it does not reflect all relations with Native Americans in all of the colonies or even just in Virginia, because in some cases there was more tension or peace. I do think relations between the two sides were unstable almost everywhere, however, and in that case this document is representative of the greater image throughout all of Virginia and the rest of the colonies. The Native Americans and settlers were in a constant struggle over food and supplies, and this is a strong example of each side trying to gain the upper hand in the relationship.
This exchange between Captain John Smith and Powhatan fairly accurately reflects the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia. Many Native Americans were very afraid of the new English settlers that were essentially invading their territory, while from the other side, many English settlers relied on the Natives for survival. The situation laid out by Powhatan of how the natives wished to seek peace and how the English settlers greatly benefited from their assistance is very accurate as to how early Virginian colonies survived. This instance of seeking peace from both parties, however, is not as recurring as would have been ideal amongst the other colonies. In some areas of the other colonies, the Native Americans were simply stripped of their land and resources and provided nothing in return., as was the case in New England. -David S
According to the article, it seems neither the Native Americans nor the British settlers wanted to fight. However, there were some people from both sides who didn't trust the other. For example, some Native American communities and villages were raided by British settlers for food and supplies even though the Native Americans would have gladly shared whatever the settlers needed. This made some Native Americans afraid of the settlers, enough to be constantly worried and as prepared for an attack as they could be. This added to a feeling of hostility for both the settlers and Native Americans. For the first settlers that came to North America, this was not the case. At first the settlers and natives peacefully coexisted, but as time went on and colonies got bigger and stronger the settlers' and Native Americans' opinions of each other changed to more like what is described in the article.
Since this exchange was written by Captain John Smith we can feel the tension on his side of conversion more than Powhatan. The exchange shows that the relationship between the chief and captain were tense despite the effort of friendship becasue the relationship was based on need. Both only dealt with each other because of their physical needs Powhatan needed weapons and Captain Smith needed corn and food. Both threaten each other openly while inviting for a hand of friendship. The exchange also gives a glimpes of failure of the relationship. the retrain that might of caused the failure could be the vast cultural difference as you can see in the exchange Chief talks about living a simple life while Captain constantly wants more in life and his adventures. due to this both had their gaurds up. Not all natives were ready for a compromise. Some welcomed, fed, guided and traded with Captain John while others fought for their territory and tried to drive the English intruders away.
This article accurately portrays the relationship between Captain Smith's settlers and Powhatan's Native American tribe. Though there were rough times, as both sides admit, there were good times as well. Though this relationship was at some times strained and unstable, it was one of the better ones between Colonists and Native Americans. John Smith realized early on that they needed the Native Americans to teach them to grow crops and to trade with because they didn't have a reliable source of food. Both sides were weary and afraid of the other, but they relied on each other too much to be constantly at war. This article doesn't discuss other Native American-Colonist relations, but most of the colonies depended on the Native Americans for one reason or another.
This source is fairly accurate in describing the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia. It shows how the relationship was kind of complicated. It was an off-and-on type of relationship. Sometimes the two sides were peaceful allies and other times they were face to face on the battle field (French and Indian War). Also the relationship portrayed in the source showed that Powhatan and the Indians were in a symbiotic relationship with Captain Smith and the settlers. However, not all colonies had this type of relationship. Some colonies were peaceful to each other from the time of their arrival, and other colonies never had a peaceful interaction with their neighboring Indians. The source also shows how Captain John Smith never attempted a peaceful negotiation with Powhatan until his life and the settlers life were in serious danger.
According by the source it seemed like the two leaders didn't want to fight and having a nice debate on how one another treat each other. The exchange was fairly accurate because to my prior knowledge John Smith only focused on trying to survive then have a fight, as too with the Indians. For the other American colonies, they might of tried to fight them and think them good as dead or good as slaves then trying to make peace with them. It only seems the colonies become civil only during when they need help with war, surviving or when the colonies want to get there point across to people who appose them.
This exchange reflects how unstable the relationships between the two communities were. They had the times in which they trade and share laughs and possibly eat together at times. But there were also times where each side may have briefly lived in fear from being attacked by each other. For example, in the Powhatan chief's message, he wrote that his military and he were not able to sleep because they needed to watch the forest and listen to the sounds so that if Captain Smith was coming his village could prepare for an attack. And after reading how this exchange was worded, one could see that the messages summed up how both sides felt about the situation at that time.
ReplyDeleteBut even though the Native Americans and Virginia settlers didn't get along, that doesn't mean that all relationships with Native Americans weren't good. In some situations there was a bit of friendliness between both sides, but not really complete trust.
This article very accurately shows the exchanges between the Native Americans and the British settles of Virginia. The Native Americans are fearful of the settlers because they attack the Native Americans to get food and supplies even though the Native Americans would be willing to share with the settlers and give them tips if they came in peace. The Native Americans suggest having a friendly trade in order to help the settlers and to ensure their own safety. The article shows the differences in what the Native Americans and the settlers want and it shows how much they struggled to get along.
ReplyDeleteThis article correctly reflects the exchange between the British settlers of Virginia and the Native Americans, but as Evan pointed out, there were other places in North America where the settlers and the Native Americans were friendly towards each other but still remained separate.
This source is an example of a peaceful exchange between British settlers and the Native Americans. In my opinion, the document is a good reflection as to what each side wanted, the settlers wanting food in order to survive, and the Natives wanting peace in order to survive. This is a good example of what most everyone wanted no matter what colony is being analyzed. The document also shows that each side does not have complete trust in one another which seems to suggest that there have been instances where the settlers and Native Americans did not get along too well. I know in other colonies such as Massachusetts the British relied heavily on the Native Americans for their supply of corn, which proves that this document could apply to other colonies as well.
ReplyDeleteEmily B.
This document accurately reflects the reciprocal relationship between Native Americans and the British settlers. The Natives recognized that the settlers had superior technology (metal and weapons). The settlers understood that the Native Americans had superior knowledge of how to survive in this new land. The Native Americans wanted to have access to this superior technology but also felt threatened by it. In turn, the settlers needed the Native Americans to learn how to grow food to survive. However, they still had their differences. The Native Americans lived in fear of the settlers as demonstrated when the Powhatan says “and such trash, and be so hunted by you.” These people were thrust together and it just so happened they could benefit from what the other knew. But it is important to remember that the settlers took over Native American land. Saying that these people had no differences and that their relationship was completely peaceful is simply not true.
ReplyDeleteIn other colonies the British prospered on the crops that the Natives showed them. The middle colonies were important centers for mercantilism. Once the colonies began to grow, they traded with the Natives. This happened in Providence. However, some colonies did not treat Natives well and took their land and did not give them anything in return, this was the case in New England. It was not always peaceful and mutually beneficial.
Alaina B.
This excerpt from "Historyie" displays an interaction where both sides are seeking peace between the settlers and the Native Americans. The Native Americans (represented by Powhatan) were exasperated from the British coming onto their land and using their resources, and the settlers (represented by Smith) needed help from the Native Americans in order to survive because they were not accommodated to their new style of living. Both Smith and Powhatan both needed to rely on each other; both needed something from each other-the settlers wanting food from the Native Americans, and the Native Americans wanting peace in return, along with the manufactured goods from England Smith was willing to trade. Their exchange shows how they both wanted something from the other and were able to peacefully communicate with one another and fulfill their needs, which are how many other interactions were with the settlers and Native Americans in other colonies.
ReplyDeleteFrom my understanding of other colonies in North America, I remember learning about how the settlers got along very well with the Natives up in New England, but there were areas where there were wars among the two sides in the Mid-West (i.e. Battle of Little Bighorn).
Isabel S.
This document accurately shows the unease and wariness that the interactions between the Native Americans and the British caused. The language of both shows that, although they had peaceful times and there may have been an understanding between Smith and Powhatan, the relationship between the two groups was defensive. Both leaders basically openly threaten each other, Powhatan with the slow starvation of the settlers should the Native Americans leave, and Smith with his statement that the settlers had weapons and would walk around with them 24/7. They apparently had a constant struggle over trade and general warring that was intermittent with peace, rather than having a peaceful situation occasionally broken by war. This type of relationship left both groups on edge, and probably any slight provocation would set off a fight. Provocations probably came easily as well, since the settlers and natives were two extremely different groups with different beliefs, values, and social norms. Although some mutually friendly relationships between settlers and natives may have occurred, in general, the wariness shown in this excerpt accurately portrays the relationship that developed in the other colonies as well. Because of this, multiple fights between the settlers and the Native Americans occurred.
ReplyDeleteMira N.
This exchange very accurately reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the British settlers because it clearly defines the problems as well as the advantages of the two living near each other. On one hand neither the settlers nor the Native Americans trust each other because the British stole food from the Native Americans while at the same time getting attacked periodically by the Native Americans with their bows and arrows. On the other hand they somewhat get along because they are able to trade with one another in order to help both the tribe and colony prosper. Throughout this excerpt they are both constantly reminding each other of the fact that they could easily destroy one another, but choose not to because of the fact they need each other in order to survive in the world. Neither side truly wanted a war. This shows that despite their unstable relationship, they are able to get along for at least a little while for the sake of their group.
ReplyDeleteThis relationship might be the case for this particular tribe and group of settlers, however the relationships elsewhere could greatly vary. Some tribes might be able to get along just fine with their neighboring colony with minimal distrust between the two. Other tribes could go into an all-out war with their neighboring colony and not get along at all. How well the settlers and tribes get along solely depends on the settlers and the tribes ability to compromise, therefore the relationship between Powhattan and Captain Smith is not necessarily consistent with the relationships between other tribes and settlers.
This document does accurately describe the relationship between the two groups in Virginia. The Native Americans aren’t very happy that the settlers came and used their resources. The settlers aren’t accustomed to having to start from scratch, so they need the help of the Native Americans. This source also shows the respect that each group has for the other. They are able to sit down and describe their problems and find away to help each other.
ReplyDeleteThe relationship that the Virginians had with the Native Americans can be seen in other colonies, especially the middle colonies. The middle colonies learned from the Native Americans and developed a good relationship. This was not the case in the northern colonies. The settlers took their land by force, thus creating unrest between the settlers and the Native Americans
Seyi G.
This exchange accurately reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the British settlers in Virginia; because they each had things the other needed to survive. The British settlers did not know how to grow crops on this new land and they needed help from the Native Americans, because they were accustomed to living on this land. On the other hand the Native Americans needed the weapons that the British settlers had, because they needed better protection, the Native Americans realized that their bows and arrows were not sufficient enough to protect them from the British settlers. They each had a weakness and that was that the other had something they needed to survive. The Powhatan and Captain Smith’s exchange was peaceful but I know that in reality it was not always like that, because many people died fighting during wars in order to protect themselves and their land. In other colonies the Native Americans and British settlers fought because they could not come to an agreement or they simply did not understand each other, and saw one another as intruder to what they believed was their land.
ReplyDelete-Vanessa C.
This exchange reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the Virginia colonists pretty well. Both sides see what there is to be gained by working together, and what could be lost through war. At the same time, neither side quite trusts the other which can be seen in the subtle threats used in each letter. This creates a fragile relationship in which both parties benefit, but at the slightest provocation could turn to war. As for the rest of the colonies, this article says nothing. Other parts of the New World have different relationships with the natives, the north having killed most of them and the south killed and enslaved many others. Few other places have relationships with the natives that are this good.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange between Powhatan and Smith reflects native-settler relations remarkably well. The natives were afraid to interact with the British colonists because of the colonists' hostility and violent, takeover attitudes. Eventually, the colonists and natives learned to interact peacefully, leading to the rise of the Virginia colony. One of the main reasons colonies survived was that the native americans gave the colonists tips on farming and what to grow and when to grow it. This article also hints at other colony's relations with the natives, especially Massachusetts with the pilgrims, and how the natives helped the pilgrims get on their feet and establish a successful colony.
ReplyDeleteBen S.
This exchange gives the reader both sides of the Native Americans and the English colonists in Virginia. Both sides of the dialogue show that each party meant no harm to the other. The Powhatan chief and John Smith explain that they believe war or arguing is foolish in this situation. The Powhatan chief's speech is an accurate description of how most Native Americans would have felt. The native tribes were scared of the settlers because they would often fight, and kill the tribes with their weapons. We also see the settlers side of the story as well. Captain Smith tells the Powhatan chief that his tribe members have violated some rules that have been set. So even in this peaceful encounter, there is still tension among the two groups. However, the encounter is not accurate in describing the relationship between all tribes and settlers. Other colonies are more hostile towards the Native Americans, and would not even attempt to form a relationship with the natives. This exchange shows that these two groups see the need for the relationship, which sets them apart from other groups in the British colonies.
ReplyDeleteEllis M.
This exchange very accurately describes the relationship between the Native Americans and the British settlers. Both communities, given their situation, need the aid of one another. The Natives, while on their own they have survived for many years, need the friendship of the settlers, because they stand no chance against the newfangled weapons if they were enemies instead. The British, originating on an entirely different continent, need the Natives' knowledge of the land and crops to avoid starvation and death in winter. Both groups want to be peaceful with one another, and establish a regular trade. However, they still have issues with one another that have yet to be worked out. The Natives are wary of the settlers, knowing that they could be easily overtaken by superior weapons, and Smith tells Powhatan "As for your promise I find it every day violated by some of your subjects," indicating that the settlers feel that the Natives have not held up their end of a bargain.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know about other relations between settlers and Natives, this interaction was more civilized and diplomatic than most. Many other settlements would simply take what they wanted from the Natives, and had hostile interactions. As Ellis said, both groups saw an advantage to friendship, unlike other settlements of the time.
This exchange accurately reflects the relationship between the British settlers of Jamestown and the Native Americans of Virginia. As everyone already said in their comments, the settlers of Jamestown and the Powhatan Indians did have their conflicts and differences, but they formed a sort of symbiotic relationship in order to better their lives. While the Powhatan weren't dependent on the Jamestown settlers to survive, they wanted a peaceful relationship with them because they wanted to trade their corn and farming methods for the settler's English goods and also, they were scared of the settler's weapons and didn't want to keep hiding from them. The settlers, however, were incredibly dependent on the Powhatan, because ever since they had arrived in Virginia, they had been faced with many disadvantages. The settlers didn't know the land or how to farm it and many of the settlers had pretty useless occupations for surviving, like being merchants and blacksmiths who didn't know how to farm anyways. From Captain Smith's account in Historyie, Smith and Powhatan settled their differences peacefully through negotiation. This account could have made a few people back in England throw out their negative prejudices of Native Americans being "savages." While this account accurately reflects the relationship between the settlers and Native Americans in Virginia and also the Native Americans and settlers in the Pylmouth settlement in Massachusetts, it doesn't accurately reflect the relationship between many other Euopean settlers and Native Americans. For example, Hernan Cortes and his Spanish conquistadors killed many Aztecs and even caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in Mexico.
ReplyDelete-Elise K.
This dialogue between John Smith and Chief Powhatan is incredibly accurate in showing the relations between the settlers and natives. Each party strived for peace, and therefor prosperity, but felt threatened by, and didn't quite trust the other. Smith says that as long as the Powhatans trot around with their bows and arrows, the colonists will do the same with their guns, 'just in case.' Each side claims that they have stayed true to their treaty, and that the other has broken it and continued to attack. Regardless of these conflicts though, they still had it in them to trade. In other colonies, however, wars were fought to extinction, such as the lost colony (maybe?). In New England, however, life was comparatively peaceful. There was not much fighting, and life was good.
ReplyDeleteAlex "sam" B.
I hate to disagree with everyone else, but I do not think that this account accurately reflects the relationship between the Native Americans and the Virginia colonists at all. As I read it, I felt that it showed the Native Americans as very afraid of the colonists, but the Native Americans far outnumbered the colonists and could have easily massacred the English, who could not have survived by themselves. This account implies that the English let the natives live, but I don't think that that was the case. It reflects the relationship between the natives and colonists in some parts of North America, such as in New England, though those relationships eventually wore thin and led to war anyway. However, it does not reflect relationships in other parts of the continent at all. In Mexico, as Elise pointed out, the colonists massacred the natives for very little reason, while, for example, in Southwest America, the Apache Indians would often raid settlements and were not subdued until the eighteen hundreds.
ReplyDeleteThis particular exchange shows that the two parties do not agree on many things. Smith wants the allegiance of the Powhatan people but wants to use a show of force or superiority to achieve it. In many cases this shows what the settlers did to try to conquer the Native Americans, in essence, they said 'We are better than you, you should give up'. In other colonies this is not the case, in the New England colonies there was still some violence among the tribes but there is significant evidence of at least one positive interaction, Thanksgiving. The overall problem that led to the relations between Virginians and Powhatans is that the Virginia couldn't accept these people's way of life and sought to destroy it.
ReplyDeleteChristian P.
I found that their exchange does not reflect the typical relationship between Native Americans and British settlers. Smith and Powhatan established discourse between themselves attempting to avoid war and violence. Their communication is unusual, it may not have been the most friendly but it at least attempted at peace. There is obvious uneasiness and distrust between them. Both Powhatan and Smith dislike the idea of the other holding weapons when visiting. They also both seem to think that they hold the advantage over the other. Yet in both cases the groups do not want to start a war between themselves, and are trying to build up each others trust. I felt that in a typical relationship between settlers and Native Americans, all attempts at cooperation would be futile. English settlers viewed the Native Americans as 'savages' and not entitled to the land, they wanted the land to farm and the Native Americans were in there way. The Native Americans did not want to give up their homes, and hated the idea of being pushed back. This often caused violence and brutality between themselves. Powhatan and Captain John Smith actually established a talking relationship to have some peace, this unfortunately was not common in the settlement of British colonists.
ReplyDeleteMargaret B.
Powhatan is scared ad doesn't understand why John Smith and the Virginians are so aggressive. He says that peace is much better than war, and what you can get with love and peace is the same as what you can get with war. The Native Americans under Powhatan traded with the colonists and at times it was good and it was peaceful, but other times there were conflicts. This is a reflection of some of the interactions between the two cultural groups at the time, but not all. In other places in America, the Native Americans were killed or driven off by the colonists, so John's attempt to be peaceable is admirable, but it was one of desperation.
ReplyDeleteThe Virginians were dying from disease and malnutrition. Powhatan and his people helped the newcomers by trading food for English goods, and by teaching them effective farming techniques. When Powhatan says that he and his people can hide their goods and flee to live in the forest, he means this as a threat, as without them, the colonists would surely die. John Smith counters with an even bigger threat by saying that Powhatan did not know yet how cruel the English could be, and how good they were at killing. This exchange was as much a battle between tribes as any Smith or Powhatan had seen before, but instead of only warriors dieing, it was an entire tribe, or and entire village.
While this exchange does not reflect Virginian relations with the Native Americans as a whole, it does show what their brief peace looked like. Throughout their history with the Native Americans, the Virginian colonists suffered from frequent attacks. These attacks were a major contributor to the majority of the settlers dying over the first year. Clearly diplomacy was not part of their relationship at the beginning. However, when Captain John Smith convinced the colonists that good relations with the Native Americans were crucial and both groups began to depend on each other, this exchange would accurately represent their interactions. Both groups needed each other for trade, but neither trusted the other fully. They would have had a very delicate, tentative peace, as is shown through this communication.
ReplyDeleteEvery colony had different interactions with their local Native Americans. Some, such as the Pennsylvania colony and the famous story of Plymouth, had at least times of peace and diplomacy. Others had relations that could be summed up by war. Overall, there were very few instances, even in colonies that had brief times of peace with Native Americans, where the settlers communicated with Native Americans with the same diplomacy as Captain John Smith.
-Phoebe W.
This document is reliable due to it being written by John Smith himself and therefore there would be minimal differences between what the document portrayed and what actually happened. The document showed that the Native Americans and settlers recognized that they could have a symbiotic relationship if they could respect each other and come to truth each other. The Native Americans knew war and knew that war was not something they wanted. Therefore they agreed to a peaceful relationship from which they could also benefit from. John Smith was one of the first to try maintaining good relations with neighboring Indians and it ended up saving his colony. From then on more colonies traded with Indians and tried to keep relationships peaceful. However this type of relationship was rare and more often than not colonies and Indian tribes were continuously fighting. This document shows a brave move by a good leader; Captain John Smith, but it does not accurately show the relations between Indians and colonies elsewhere. This is because settlers and Native Americans could never truth each other fully and settlers were greedy.
ReplyDeleteThis source is not accurate from a historical standpoint. The settlers did depend on the Native Americans for many of their ideas and resources. From an opinionated standpoint, this source is accurate at a local and national level.
ReplyDeleteRecognizing this source was constructed for the King, John Smith accordingly denies some of the accusations Powhatan claims. "For your riches we have no use: as for the hiding your provision, or by your flying to the woods, we shall not so unadvisedly starve as you conclude, your friendly care in that behalfe is needlesse, for we have a rule to finde beyond your knowledge." Smith believes his colonists are self-sufficient and can provide their own resources.
This source displays the different perspectives of the relationship between the colonists and Native Americans, but it is too biased to be categorized as historically accurate.
Maggie H
This exchange accurately portrays the relationship between the Native Americans and the English settlers in Virginia, simply for the fact that it is a primary source. It shows how the two different groups of people can want to benefit from each other, while they still show distrust and question the outcome of military action. The Native Americans realize that the English have some superior technology, including weapons that would prove most devastating in any attack against them, but promise that they can be of more help as allies than as foes. The English recognize that the Natives have great knowledge of the land that could allow the colonies to thrive, but often feel suspicious and “violated” by some of the Natives. This example of a relationship that is torn between war and peaceful trade is not only reflective of this Virginian colony, but the other North American colonies as well.
ReplyDeleteNile R
The article very accurately shows the relationship the Native Americans had with the settlers. Through the article,youre able to see there was some hostility between the two. The Native Americans said that they just wanted to live in peace and prosperity but the settlers posed a threat with invading the Natives. Essentially they both wanted peace and the settlers,with their current condition, were determined to get what they what in whatever means necessary. The natives saw that the Settlers had a superior advantage against them with guns but the Settlers knew the Natives had superior knowledge of the land. It was sort of a...bittersweet relationship between the two,like Nile noted on his comment, the Settlers felt “violated” by some of the Natives while the Natives themselves were somewhat paranoid (with good reason) of the Settlers attacking. I'm sure this is a great example of how other Settlers/Natives experiences were throughout the North American colonies,it was never very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThis source us a conversation between the Powhatan and Captain John Smith that took place in Virginia in 1608. They were just talking to each other, without an audience, so you can trust that this is actually what each of them said, although parts may not be true because they could have been lying to each other.
ReplyDeleteThroughout all my years of education, I have learned that the colonists didn't treat Native Americans with respect. Knowing this, as I read I trusted what the Powhatan says, but when I got to John Smith's monologue, I found myself doubting almost everything he said.
This source was most likely made so that the Colonists and Native Americans could figure out their relationship with each other based on what their leaders said. Since Captain Smith gets the last word, it seem slightly biased towards him because the Powhatan couldn't respond or argue with what he said.
This conversation is a representation of how colonists treated the Native Americans. They would tell them ridiculous things to make the Native Americans work for them and accept the colonists as their leaders.
The Powhatan's main question is: why do the colonists hurt us when all we do is show them how to survive and attempt to be their friend? Captain Smith's reply is that that is how British people treat their friends. What they do to their enemies is much worse. This is a complete lie. The war between the Native Americans and the Colonists was no different than any other war of the time, besides the fact that the Native Americans didn't have guns, which put them at even more of a disadvantage.
This exchange in part is an accurate representation of the relationship between Native Americans and Jamestown settlers; however it is not necessarily consistent with other British colonies. The portrayal of trust within this document is undercut by a false tone. Although Smith and Powhatan express their desires for peace, there is a lack of faith for this to become the customary behavior. The suspicion of each other’s actions and intentions exemplifies other traditional colonial-Native American relations during rare times of peace. This exchange is aberrancy compared to other interactions between the British settlers and Native Americans in terms of aspiration to achieve a peaceful and symbiotic relationship. Many colonists outside of the Jamestown settlement viewed Native Americans as “barbaric” and wanted to annihilate these people instead of developing a harmonious relationship that is discussed by Smith and Powhatan. Colonist and Native Americans as a whole have not always strived for peace, but instead endured turmoil and unrest as their primary diplomatic tactic. Although Smith and Powhatan’s dialogue reflects a more idealistic relationship, this agreement was not the norm for most Native Americans and colonial settlements.
ReplyDeleteHannah R
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ReplyDeleteThe article shows the not very understanding rough relationship they had with one another but accurate. It does not reflect the relationship between all of Virginia and the Natives as a whole. It shows that they have a symbiotic relationship but that they don't necessarily agree on everything one hundred percent. The Natives are intimidated and timid around the settlers which allows them to have the upper hand in most situations, allowing there needs to fall in place before the Powhatan.
ReplyDeleteAbbie R.
I believe that Captain John Smith's account of the relationship with the natives and the British settlers is honest although their statements might not exactly be verbatim. When the British settlers first came they were unprepared and very susceptible to disease and other illnesses because of malnutrition and the new environment. Because of this, at first the exchanges between the natives and the colonists might not have been quite friendly. However, because of the threats and the strain the colonists were causing towards the natives and the hardships the colonists were facing, they started to cooperate for each group's well being. In most of the other North American colonies, it was the same: the colonists needed the natives to help them survive the winter and the natives wanted some of the goods the Europeans brought.
ReplyDeleteThe exchange between the Native American leader Powhatan and Captain John Smith is typical of the time period in Virginia’s colonization in which it took place, but the relationship between the Jamestown colonists and the Native Americans deteriorated in 1609 and was much more hostile prior to the intercourse this document refers to. When the English arrived and settled in Jamestown, they were attacked because of the negative experiences Native Americans had with Spanish colonists. Following the documented exchange, conflicts escalated because Smith resorted to aggressive tactics to appropriate food. When assessed as a whole, Virginia’s colonization was not as peaceful and conducive to negotiation as the text suggests. However, the text does exemplify normal cultural disparities and resulting conflicts between the two groups that were present across North America. For example, Captain Smith holds Powhatan responsible for the presumed perfidy of the Native American’s “subjects” but fails to recognize how little cohesiveness there is in the natives’ society. It was not uncommon for colonists in North America to reach a treaty with one tribe and then retaliate for an offense committed by a completely separate Native American group. Miscommunication frequently brought warfare along with it.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange reflects the type of symbiotic relationship that the Native Americans and the Colonists strived to have. However, throughout this conversation you can also easily see the fear of betrayal that threatens to break apart the relationship that is working, for now. They seem to come to an understanding over the fact that the Native Americans want nothing of the Colonists and are willing to give the Colonists what they want. However the Chief seems to tread lightly knowing of the greedy nature of Captain Smiths people and the war that is likely to follow them. It seems as though the trust they are trying to lay down is merely superficial.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange between Powattan leader and John Smith shows the tension between the two communities. In my opinion, however, this does not accurately reflect the relation between the Natives and the English settlers. From past studies we can say that when the English settlers arrived they were in need of assistance from the Natives. When reading this passage I sensed a lot of fear from the Natives. It seemed that the Powattan leader was trying to convince John Smith into forming an alliance. John Smith, on the other hand, seemed very confident and talked as if the Natives were the ones at his mercy. By reading the blurb that preceded the passage I concluded that John Smith was the one who actually needed help and was at the mercy of the Native Americans. If this is true why would John Smith talk with such confidence? I would have expected Smith to be the one who was trying to convince the Powattan leader into keeping a good relationship.
ReplyDeleteThis document accurately portrays the fragile relationship between the Powhatan and the British, but does not necessarily reflect other, more tumultuous, relationships endured by other groups. Clearly the relationship between John Smith and the Powhatan is unstable, but the degree of communication between the groups suggests that their relationship was far superior to those between settlers and natives of the North and of the Southwest. The cultural discrepancies, disorganization, and lack of empathy between Smith and the Powhatan is very evident, and these barriers made trade difficult and dangerous. Similarly, provocation, sometimes subtle or unintentional, kindled tension and prompted brief episodes of fighting – but mutual material dependencies emphasized the continuous need for collaboration. Mutuality was clearly uncommon between settlers and natives, but I suspect the amount of effort devoted to diplomacy strongly correlated with the success of each individual colony.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the actual language exchanged, I think John Smith may have exaggerated the word choice of Powhatan but I do believe the impression of the relationship left by this exchange is highly accurate. The colonists are unwanted intruders that claim land that has been part of the Native American way of life for centuries; naturally there will be tension and distrust between the two groups. However, despite this hostility, it is heartening to see how economic interdependence can lead to a tentative peace between two contentious groups. Perhaps if this same approach had been applied in other colonies more Native Americans would be on the east coast today.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange fairly accurately portrays the relationship between the British settlers and Native Americans in Virginia for the time that it took place. Powhatan’s message was pretty straightforward; he and the Native Americans were frightened of the settlers and their superior weaponry, but they knew that the settlers could not survive without their assistance. John Smith’s reply was more misleading; the text suggests that the settlers could stay alive without the Native Americans and they let them live out of kindness, when in reality the settlers were equally afraid of the Native Americans and their superior numbers and knowledge of the land. They also knew that they could not survive without the help of the Natives, but they tried to assert their dominance by masking their fear and helplessness. Both sides knew that they would lose if there was war, so they settled for a tentative peace and chose to trade with each other. However, this relationship only applied to this region at this time. In New England, the settlers and Native Americans constantly alternated between war and peace, and there were several massacres of both sides. There were also conflicts in the Jamestown region before and after this exchange, especially after Powhatan died.
ReplyDelete-Ben C.
This documented interaction between the two very different cultures reflects the extent of how misunderstood each group was. The Native Americans thought that the British were there to destroy their country and the British thought the Native Americans weren’t willing to compromise. It’s a fairly accurate depiction of exchanges between tribes and settlers in Virginia because they needed each other even though their trustworthiness was always in question. The tribes needed peace between them and the settlers so they can live without fear and the settlers needed peace so they can be provided of food and necessary raw materials. This peaceful interaction cannot be accurate for the rest of the North American Colonies and the other American tribes. Many tribes were not so kind to intruders, who they thought were there to destroy their country, thus making the settlers more hostile. –Brenda herrera
ReplyDeleteThis exchange shows that cooperation between Native American and colonist was achievable, but not easy. For a long time the two exchanged punches with each other before they learned that they could work together. Even as the two leaders are meeting you can see how they still resent and are somewhat afraid of the other. Powhatan points out how the colonist tried to take resources by force before asking for them, and how he realizes that Captain Smith does not respect the tribe’s intelligence. Captain Smith comes back saying that he finds Native Americans attacking his land often, and how he uncharacteristically brushes off these actions because of what the tribe has done for his people. This rocky relationship is a lot like what happened in the New England colonies. Colonist and Native Americans often fought, but sometimes did have good relationships with them such as the Thanksgiving celebration. This type of relationship between the two factions is common throughout the colonies.
ReplyDeleteThis source seems to represent the relationship between the settlers and the natives very well. Both sides were fearful of attack from the other, shown by the fact that they both carried their weapons at all times. Both Powhatan and Captain Smith knew they would need the help of the other, although in this particular source it seems as if Powhatan was more willing to cooperate than Smith was. This exchange is also representative of the settler-native relationship in other areas as well. Especially when settlers first came to America, there were many attacks on both groups. Eventually though, both groups had created trade relations. While slightly unstable at times, the trading was beneficial for both the colonists and the natives across the country.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange between Captain Smith and Powhatan shows the relashionship between the natives and the settlers. Although many Colonies in the north got along well with the natives, they most likely went through a rough patch in the beggining just like Captain Smith and his settlers.Both sides, the natives and the settlers are afraid of the other side attaching. Because of this, they both want peace, but niether of them seem to be willing to take the first step. The settlers want to learn from the natives how to live in the new world, but they dont want much effort from their own side. Both sides are on th defensive, and they later learn that they are going to have to put those defenses aside and work together.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this document is mostly accurate when it comes to how the Native Americans and the British settlers in Virginia felt about each other. The only part that I don’t think is completely true is how Captain Smith claims that the settlers no longer require the Native Americans’ assistance for survival. The British settlers had very limited knowledge about the country which made them dependant upon the Powhatan Indians. The reason this accurately reflects the relationship between the two groups is because Powhatan told Smith exactly how he felt about the situation between them and what his people were going through while Smith just stretched the truth to establish dominance. Overall, I think the Virginian settlers and the Powhatan had a decent relationship with each other, at least compared to the constant fighting between Native Americans and British settlers in other regions of North America.
ReplyDelete- Jonathon Morrison
This exchange clearly shows how the two parties did not feel that they could work together successfully. The Native Americans felt that the British were going to take advantage of their primal ways; while the British felt that the Native Americans could easily attack them and take away their resources. The relationship was not very promising, to say the least. The Native Americans did threaten to move into the forest if the British were to attack them. I think that this relationship is found throughout all of North America when the British landed. The Native Americans were not happy with the British because they were taking land and they were killing the Native Americans.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Connor when he says that the two parties could not work together, but I feel as though both were willing to try. The Native Americans felt overwhelmed by the settlers abusive force, but still wanted to create a peaceful way of life with them by saying that what the settlers wanted could be achieved without their guns and weapons, but with love. This source very accurately reflects the relationship between the two groups, but I feel as though both the settlers and the Native American's acted more cocky to try and show how tough they were. For example, when the Native Americans say they will flee and not help the settlers any more, Captain John Smith acts as though this is not a threat, even though the settlers greatly relied on the Native American's help. As for Native American relations in other colonies, it was both good and bad. In colonies such as Pennsylvania, William Penn was able to create treaties with the Native American's and pay them for their land. But in most other colonies the settlers took over and chose to wipe out the Native population.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange fairly accurately reflects the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia and other colonies. Of course in some colonies there would have been more tension and conflict and in others more friendship and peace. The exchange shows both sides’ views of the relationship as well as their hopes for better relationships. They both recognize the importance and benefits of trade and the distrust displayed by both parties coming armed to trade negotiations. Both Powhatan and Smith said that some people in each group disregarded what their leaders hoped for in terms of relations with the other group.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI believe this source shows how unpredictable the relationship between the Native Americans and the new settlers could be. It accurately depicts how their ties can change from warring to peace at the drop of a dime. An example is when each party spoke of their fear of being attacked by the other, but then also mentioned how they had peaceful times or wanted to achieve them. On the other hand, it seemed John Smith's response to Powhatan's want of peace was a bit arrogant. He basically stated the British settlers could survive without any help from the Native Americans, which was definitely not true. Although I'm not sure how relationships in other North American colonies were, I suspect they were quite similar. The settlers were probably just as ignorant in saying they didn't need help from the Native Americans, but still accepted it when convenient. --Maliyah T
ReplyDeleteThis exchange shows that even when the colonist had friendly ties to the Native Americans they always had to stay ready and prepared for anything, same for the Native Americans. These two groups of people though friendly and willing to work with each other and help each other still sometimes just didn’t get along. I would say this was also true for the rest of the colonies too. I would say that honestly the relationship between the two groups is just there in case someone needs the other’s help. I would almost believe, by reading the exchange, that the native Americans and the Virginia colony faked a smile to each other just to keep from turning against each other.
ReplyDeleteThis document does well in describing the uneasy relationship between Native Americans and British settlers. It is clear both sides have something the other side needs, and both try to instate themselves as the more dominant group because of it. The natives seem more invested in trying to build a friendly relationship, which can be seen in how they continue to list the negative side effects that would be present for both sides if a war were to occur. However, John Smith took on a more aggressive stance, saying that the settlement would be fine without the help of the natives and if it were to come to war they would win. Clearly they had a very tense relationship which was on the precipice of war at any false turn. However it seems as though, despite what John Smith insinuates, neither side can afford a war and they will try to stay on friendly terms due to mutual need. This article doesn’t speak to the relationship between the natives and the settlers in other colonies, but it is safe to assume a similar situation in which both sides have something gain by being friends was present there as well, and in that case this probably does an adequate job in summing up their relationship too.
ReplyDeleteErin H.
The exchange that the Powhatans made with the British settlers is an accurate reflection of their relationship between each other. The Native Americans feared the British settlers because of how the British settlers treated them. Despite this fear that the Native Americans had, they were still willing to make peace with the British settlers. Native Americans believed that if the British settlers showed kindness and love towards the Native Americans, everyone would be in peace. However, the British settlers were very forceful with the Native Americans because that was their way of getting what they wanted. This particular exchange does not portray the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in other colonies however I agree with Erin H. that the relationships between them were most likely similar to what we see in the exchange between Captain John Smith and the Powhatans.
ReplyDeleteHannah M.
I think this exchange is a very accurate representation if you can read more into it and see past what Captain John Smith said. Since it’s just a record of a conversation, I doubt that it is untruthful. I believe that this is actually what they said for the most part; however I know that the colonists weren’t gracious to the Native Americans in this time period, so I tend to doubt what Captain Smith said more than I doubt the Powhatan. When Captain Smith says this is how they treat their friends, I know it’s a lie just because of my basic knowledge of history. Smith only says this to try to make the Powhatan trust him.
ReplyDeleteI believe most British settlers treated Native Americans in Virginia and other North American colonies like this, if not worse. Americans today still attempt to make it seem like the Native Americans and the colonists had a loving relationship, but over the years I’ve realized otherwise. In a civilized situation like the one in this document, the colonists lie to the Natives to make themselves seem respectful, but still authoritative.
This document illustrates the relationship well. It explains how unstable the relationship was because of fear of each other. It seems very reliable because of the fact that it is a conversation between the two leaders, and it doesn't hide anything. The two men are afraid that the other will turn on them and they are both explaining their fears to the other. When North America was first being found and explored, relationships between the European explorers and the already settled native had always been strained at best. This article does well at giving you an accurate idea at the friendship that has formed between the two colonies.
ReplyDeleteI think that this discourse between Powhatan and Captain John Smith very accurately demonstrates the relationship between the Native Americans and the settlers not only in Virginia, but also in all of the North American colonies. Communicating in general was awkward because the natives generally had a rudimentary grasp of English. Neither side was willing to let their guard down, as exemplified by the fact that they each refused to go to each other's homes unarmed. In this exchange, the leaders express fears that were felt all over North America by many at the time. The exchange also makes it clear that there is a definite culture clash that makes it difficult for the opposing sides to fully understand each other. Powhatan truly believes that the settlers need the natives' food and that it hurts both sides for them to have to hide it, but this only makes Smith defensive about the settlers' ability to get their own food.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange between the Native Americans and the settlers gives the appearance of a rock relationship between the two groups. Both groups have lived in fear of the other because they don’t trust one another. The Indians basically said that if the settlers attacked they would hide their things and run into the forest which wouldn’t help the settlers at all. The settlers don’t have anywhere to go but they have a fort. Just because the Native Americans and the settlers in Jamestown didn’t always get along that doesn’t mean that all Indian-settler relationships were bad. There were always times where both sides were friendly with each other.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange between the Native Americans and the settlers shows a shacky relationship between the two groups. The natives were afraid to sleep at night because they feared being attacked by the settlers. According to Powhatan, should the settlers attack the natives, they were prepared to flee into the woods and hide their stuff, which would leave the settlers nowhere since they couldn't possibly find the natives if they hid in the woods where they've lived for hundreds of years. Plus, then the settlers would have to watch out for a counter-strike from the natives. However, this does not reflect the entire American colonies, as many colonies had good relationships with the natives. In fact, the French had such good relationships with the natives, they were considered allies and they traded constantly with each other. Even though there were colonies on good terms with the natives, both sides were always at least partially wary of the each other.
ReplyDeleteThe interaction between Captain John Smith and the Powhatans leader seem very accurate because it talks about how a good relationship between them was necessary, but it was also a struggle. The both acknowledge the strengths in the opposite side that help with their weaknesses whether it was knowledge of the land or weapons. It seemed as though Captian John Smith thought he had the upper-hand, but they both admit to having troubles within their own people. This doesn't speak about their realationship with other colonies, but from what I've learned many colonies needed the Indians resources so I'm assuming agreements like this didn't just take place once.
ReplyDeleteThe source accurately and clearly reflects the relationship between Virginia settlers and the Native Americans. Both groups understood that even if they were to rage ‘warre’ against each other, both would suffer immensely. The Indians would have missed their chance for weapons -- guns to fight against other.
ReplyDeleteThe settlers understood that without the Indians, their colony would die from starvation. In order for both the settlers and the Indians to acquire what they needed to survive they had to learn to live in peace. Their very survival depended on it. There were times when both groups feared each other. It was only natural for the Indians to fear the settlers because of their superior weaponry. John Smith quotes Chief Powhatan, “If you would come in a friendly manner to see us, and not thus by means of your guns and swords as to invade your foes.”
Chief Powhatan asked the settlers to come without guns, which showed that he feared not only the settlers but also the weapons they carried.
The settlers were also afraid. They had never seen anything other than “Englanders.” It is hard to imagine anything other than fear on both sides in this type of situation. I think to some extent it does accurately show the relationship between the two groups. In order to survive, the colonies and the Indians would have to work together or perish. Without relationships with the Native Americans, I doubt America would exist today. I believe at some point all colonies would have to create a stable relationship with the Indians.
For example, the New England Colonies mistreated the Indians on a number of occasions. However, they would not have been able to learn how to grow corn in order to avoid starvation if it were not for the Indians. Although both sides feared each other, and fighting did occur, they had to maintain a stable relationship. Both societies would have to put aside their differences to survive. Unless the Indians were able to kill all the settlers and to continue with their way of living, both sides would have to corporate. This was true for almost all of the North American colonies.
The exchange very accurately reflects the instability between the British and Native Americans during the days of the early settlements. Because this is only one document, it does not reflect all relations with Native Americans in all of the colonies or even just in Virginia, because in some cases there was more tension or peace. I do think relations between the two sides were unstable almost everywhere, however, and in that case this document is representative of the greater image throughout all of Virginia and the rest of the colonies. The Native Americans and settlers were in a constant struggle over food and supplies, and this is a strong example of each side trying to gain the upper hand in the relationship.
ReplyDeleteThis exchange between Captain John Smith and Powhatan fairly accurately reflects the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia. Many Native Americans were very afraid of the new English settlers that were essentially invading their territory, while from the other side, many English settlers relied on the Natives for survival. The situation laid out by Powhatan of how the natives wished to seek peace and how the English settlers greatly benefited from their assistance is very accurate as to how early Virginian colonies survived.
ReplyDeleteThis instance of seeking peace from both parties, however, is not as recurring as would have been ideal amongst the other colonies. In some areas of the other colonies, the Native Americans were simply stripped of their land and resources and provided nothing in return., as was the case in New England. -David S
According to the article, it seems neither the Native Americans nor the British settlers wanted to fight. However, there were some people from both sides who didn't trust the other. For example, some Native American communities and villages were raided by British settlers for food and supplies even though the Native Americans would have gladly shared whatever the settlers needed. This made some Native Americans afraid of the settlers, enough to be constantly worried and as prepared for an attack as they could be. This added to a feeling of hostility for both the settlers and Native Americans. For the first settlers that came to North America, this was not the case. At first the settlers and natives peacefully coexisted, but as time went on and colonies got bigger and stronger the settlers' and Native Americans' opinions of each other changed to more like what is described in the article.
ReplyDeleteSince this exchange was written by Captain John Smith we can feel the tension on his side of conversion more than Powhatan. The exchange shows that the relationship between the chief and captain were tense despite the effort of friendship becasue the relationship was based on need. Both only dealt with each other because of their physical needs Powhatan needed weapons and Captain Smith needed corn and food. Both threaten each other openly while inviting for a hand of friendship. The exchange also gives a glimpes of failure of the relationship. the retrain that might of caused the failure could be the vast cultural difference as you can see in the exchange Chief talks about living a simple life while Captain constantly wants more in life and his adventures. due to this both had their gaurds up.
ReplyDeleteNot all natives were ready for a compromise. Some welcomed, fed, guided and traded with Captain John while others fought for their territory and tried to drive the English intruders away.
This article accurately portrays the relationship between Captain Smith's settlers and Powhatan's Native American tribe. Though there were rough times, as both sides admit, there were good times as well. Though this relationship was at some times strained and unstable, it was one of the better ones between Colonists and Native Americans. John Smith realized early on that they needed the Native Americans to teach them to grow crops and to trade with because they didn't have a reliable source of food. Both sides were weary and afraid of the other, but they relied on each other too much to be constantly at war. This article doesn't discuss other Native American-Colonist relations, but most of the colonies depended on the Native Americans for one reason or another.
ReplyDeleteThis source is fairly accurate in describing the relationship between Native Americans and British settlers in Virginia. It shows how the relationship was kind of complicated. It was an off-and-on type of relationship. Sometimes the two sides were peaceful allies and other times they were face to face on the battle field (French and Indian War). Also the relationship portrayed in the source showed that Powhatan and the Indians were in a symbiotic relationship with Captain Smith and the settlers. However, not all colonies had this type of relationship. Some colonies were peaceful to each other from the time of their arrival, and other colonies never had a peaceful interaction with their neighboring Indians. The source also shows how Captain John Smith never attempted a peaceful negotiation with Powhatan until his life and the settlers life were in serious danger.
ReplyDeleteAccording by the source it seemed like the two leaders didn't want to fight and having a nice debate on how one another treat each other. The exchange was fairly accurate because to my prior knowledge John Smith only focused on trying to survive then have a fight, as too with the Indians. For the other American colonies, they might of tried to fight them and think them good as dead or good as slaves then trying to make peace with them. It only seems the colonies become civil only during when they need help with war, surviving or when the colonies want to get there point across to people who appose them.
ReplyDelete