American history concepts and overview

American History

Similarities and Differences Among Colonies

The founding of the American colonies was a dangerous, unique, and pivotal part of both British and American history. Although colonization was nothing new for the British people, the founding of the American colonies eventually led to the creation of one of the most influential cultures in the world. And the founding of the different colonies helped create this culture. Though the founding of the colonies shared a great deal of similarities, there were also pronounced differences. Through a comparison of the colonies at Jamestown, Massachusetts Bay, and Plymouth, a better understanding of these similarities and differences can be achieved.

In his recollection of the Settlement at Jamestown, Captain John Smith details, in greatest length, the colonists' interactions with Native Americans. Although all colonies faced the problems posed by those who already lived on the land they were attempting to undertake, each colony dealt with them in different manners. John Smith recalls his fear at first being captured and nearly killed by the Native Americans, being saved by these people, and eventually befriending them to a point where the two groups were able to work together. Still, Smith's account makes note of the fact that the colonists and Native Americans did not, at first, share a common bond, and the violence that existed between the two groups was rather extreme. Other than the interactions with Native Americans, the Jamestown colony faced trouble with starvation and disease, as long acclimating to the new area. What stands out about the nature of the colony from this narrative is the hard work of the colonists, as they banded together in nearly every effort. Some hierarchy system seems to be in place as Smith often refers to the President, although it seems that the two had different ideas about how to conduct business in the colony. Further, the colony seems aimed more toward the service of the King and business than religion, as was the case for the Plymouth colony, as religion is mentioned only briefly.

Thus, the role of faith is a major difference between the Jamestown colony and the other two colonies. The Plymouth colony was, obviously, geared toward religion, and the social structure of this colony seems much different than that of Jamestown. This can be seen by the fact that Bradford mentions God before King in his explanation of why the colonists set out to the Americas. The references to God in this depiction of colonial life are quite liberal. In addition, the colony seems to have formed a social structure around the church and the duties and sacraments of the church rather quickly. For instance, the election of a governor and provisions for marriage, as well as the civil role of marriage was decided by 121 in this colony. Like the Jamestown colony, the Plymouth colony also had dealings with the Native Americans. In order to maintain peace, however, the colonists made a treaty with the Native Americans. Upon finding a Native American who could speak English, the Plymouth colony succeeded in passing a peace treaty with the Native Americans, which, among other things, allowed the colonists and the Native Americans to make a security pact. Other than feared threat from the Native Americans, the colonists had a variety of different problems settling in the area. These included illness, finding provisions, etc.