Premium Essay

Pocahontas Legacy

Submitted By
Words 226
Pages 1
The Pocahontas we all know from one of our favorite Disney movies is not as accurate as most believe. It is true that her world was much different than ours, as in the movie, but it was much denser and riddled with sadness yet, her princess story failed to entail the worst of it. It remains true that whichever story we know, she is always an empowering young woman. Regardless, she has left an impenetrable legacy attached to her name in history and in modern culture. While both accounts of Pocahontas tell she was was a chief’s daughter, the real side is that she was a kidnapped prisoner, while the movie version of Pocahontas was a willing participant. Mataoka was the real name of Chief Powhatan’s favorite child. Correspondingly, she and her

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Pocahontas

...Pocahontas Pocahontas is a woman of myth and legend; she has mainly been depicted in fictitious movies such as the Disney version. She does have a small place in history as the one who saved John Smith, an Englishman. There was a copious amount of things that she did in the movies that did not really happen in real life. For one, she did not marry John Smith, but instead she married a man named John Rolfe, a tobacco planter. Pocahontas is a very strong woman with many traits that helps be in the elite ranks of women in the native American community. She put her life on the line to save a white settler so that is what she did that solidified herself in American history because it not only showed the courage of herself, but of her Native American Tribe. She was a brave girl who had quite the history growing up. The story of Pocahontas is an often-told tale. In the telling it has acquired mythological elements shared with other stories of encounters between Europeans and Indians, to such an extent that the original “facts” (if they are certain enough to be worthy of the name) have been distorted or obscured. In 1616 John Smith, one of the early English colonists in Virginia, recounted in a letter that ten years before he had been saved from certain death at the hand of the Powhatan Indians by a young teenage girl, named Pocahontas, who was the daughter of the chief of the Powhatans. Pocahontas grew to be on friendly terms with the colonists, but Smith made no suggestion that...

Words: 1161 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Conspiracies 9/11

...“Jamestown and triumphs” Julie Atkinson Reconstructive US History Professor Brumbaugh December 20,2014 Before the settlers landed in Jamestown, The Indians occupied the land and lived there for centuries. They were the first people to arrive in Jamestown. Some say there were 25,000 Indians; others say around 50,000 of the American natives, who lived on the land. There were about thirty different tribes whom the powhatan chiefdom took charge. However, each tribe had their own chief. In time there would be a change; King James 1 of England granted for another colony to be established under the Virginia Company of London which consisted of many wealthy Englishmen who wanted to invest their money into the company. They expected to open new lands for financial and patriotic explorations and use the resources of the new world. They wanted to establish English shipbuilding industries and to convert the Indians to Protestant Christianity. The Spanish were aggressive to convert the Indians to Roman Catholicism. Since there were already Spanish colonies in America, the English needed to develop new employment opportunities for the English. For this reason, English people wanted their own colonies. Around the time of 1607, there were three ships sailing from England: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery. They held around hundred and fifty English men, and boys who sailed four months before they reached Jamestown. During their voyage they encountered crowded conditions...

Words: 3345 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

John Smith: An Analysis Of John Smith's Performance Leading The Colonies

...techniques could definitely have been worked on. He was a man who wanted things done and wanted them done quickly and efficiently even though that cant always be achieved. This also attests to his John smith’s reputation obviously precedes him and people often think of him as a hero and saint (not literally), Especially after his not so accurate portrayal in Disney’s Pocahontas. But the fact is this is not the real john smith. People don’t want to remember someone who is credited with helping start life in America as a criminal or a “bad person”. Even most historians talk mostly about his accomplishments. Unfortunately John Smith had a problem with getting himself into serious trouble. On the initial voyage to the Americas he was accused of attempted mutiny and was locked up. At first stop they planned on hanging him and even went as far as to build the gallows for him but ended up not doing it. That wouldn’t be the last time that his fellow settlers would make calls to have him hanged, banished or simply murdered. Eventually he would be thrown out of Virginia all together. All this with his own people and Pocahontas is said to have saved him from a group of Indian executioners. Its safe to say people didn’t like him, or at least had issues big enough to want him dead. On a more positive note he was actually a very productive member of the colonies. He played many roles. Not only was he a leader but he was a cartographer, geographer, solider, an admiral, a solider and other things...

Words: 1109 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Jamestown

...A Brief History of Jamestown The founding of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, in Virginia in 1607 – 13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in Massachusetts – sparked a series of cultural encounters that helped shape the nation and the world. The government, language, customs, beliefs and aspirations of these early Virginians are all part of the United States’ heritage today. The colony was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a group of investors who hoped to profit from the venture. Chartered in 1606 by King James I, the company also supported English national goals of counterbalancing the expansion of other European nations abroad, seeking a northwest passage to the Orient, and converting the Virginia Indians to the Anglican religion. The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, carrying 105 passengers, one of whom died during the voyage, departed from England in December 1606 and reached the Virginia coast in late April 1607. The expedition was led by Captain Christopher Newport. On May 13, after two weeks of exploration, the ships arrived at a site on the James River selected for its deep water anchorage and good defensive position. The passengers came ashore the next day, and work began on the settlement. Initially, the colony was governed by a council of seven, with one member serving as president. Serious problems soon emerged in the small English outpost, which was located in the midst of a chiefdom of about 14,000...

Words: 807 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Colonial Times

...The nature and character of all the colonies were that they were short on supplies and all of them were focused on surviving in the New World. The colonies had goals and desires but were different in the ways they went about obtaining them. They all wanted to set up common ground, make rules for their region,and to start trading so they could make a living. In Virginia when they lost Captain John Smith and went through the starving time was an extremely rough period. Most of the settlers were struck with illness and had to turn to cannibalism just to survive. They realized eventually that things were not going to get easier so they started to work together to set up laws and became religious to provide a more stable environment. In Massachusetts Bay the Puritans were led by John Winthrop who was well prepared, organized, and a Godly man.They also were in search of establishing a settlement pleasing to God rather than being in search of wealth like other colonies. I believe those are the reasons that the Puritans did not have the same problems the settlers in Virginia had. Another reason for their success was : " On board the ship Arabella, Winthrop delivered a sermon, called 'A Model of Christian Charity,' ". This sermon set up the mandate for the settlers to serve as an example for the rest of the New World. The Province of Maryland was more focused on trading tobacco,meats, and furs with Europe and other countries to make a profit. Eventually they became more religious...

Words: 443 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Nothing to Do

...many women, with all their heads and shoulders painted red; many of their heads bedecked with the white down of birds; but every one with something: and a great chain of white beads about their necks. At his entrance before the King, all the people gave a great shout. The Queen of Appamatuck was appointed to bring him water to wash his hands, and another brought him a bunch of feathers, instead of a towel to dry them. Having feasted him after their best barbarous manner they could, a long consultation was held, but the conclusion was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan: then as many as could laid hands on him, dragged him to them, and thereon laid his head, and being ready with their clubs, to beat out his brains, Pocahontas the King’s dearest daughter, when no entreaty could prevail, got his head in her arms, and laid her own upon his to save his from death: whereat the Emperor was contented he should live to make him hatchets, and her bells, beads, and copper; for they thought him as well of all occupations as themselves. For the King himself will make his own robes, shoes, bows, arrows, pots; plant, hunt, or do any thing so well as the rest. They say he bore a pleasant show, But sure his heart was sad. For who can pleasant be, and rest, That lives in fear and dread: And having life suspected, doth It still suspected lead. Two days...

Words: 469 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Nightmare in Jamestown

...drinking salt water could cause starvation and cause ’​ t people to become insane. Starvation- The thought the indians would feed them, but they didn't so most of them eventually starved to death. The war with the indians- The indians and the colonists were rivals and the indians tried to kill them all. The indians eventually killed about 1/4 of the population. 4. Who was Powhatan, and what was the Powhatan Confederacy? Powhatan was the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy and was also Pocahontas​father. The ’​ s Powhatan Confederacy was a group of Native Americans under the rule of Powhatan. They were the first indian group to have to deal with the colonists taking over their land. 5. Though the colonists found no precious metals in Virginia, what did they find that made the colony profitable? Who introduced this item to the colony? They found tobacco. John Rolfe introduced this item to the colony. 6. Who was Pocahontas? What was her role in events during this period? Pocahontas was the daughter of chief Powhatan. She is also believed to save John Smith. She...

Words: 340 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Early Jamestown Settlement Research Paper

...In 1607, 104 English men and young boys arrived to North America to start a settlement and on May 13th, they arrived at Jamestown, Virginia. This was the first permanent settlement in America. Immediately, dismal conditions prevailed, a numerous amount of settlers chose to seek agricultural ventures, and people began to starve. Settlers were dying of hunger, attacks, lack of supplies, and diseases. The settlement had barely any strong leadership, and this took a toll of them. The leadership began to get better with the election of Captain John Smith, he brought about improvements with their food issues. He forced all of the colonists to work and negotiate food with local Indians, which did not last very long and eventually led to the “Starving Time” in 1609 through 1610. The economic status for the settlement started to progress with the introduction of tobacco as a cash crop in 1612. Unfortunately, with the advancement of attaining the new cash crop, they still had poor living conditions. As far as religion, the settlers were having a great spiritual struggle, they did not have a strong Christian commitment. They felt as if they did not have time to praise God because of all of the problems that they were facing. There was a great amount of discrimination in the first settlement, in fact, this was around the very first time that slave codes emerged. In my opinion, America has changed tremendously since the first permanent settlement or European immigrants at Jamestown. There...

Words: 524 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Captain John Smith: A Study Of Pocahontas's Life

...second-hand sources and that even the primary source of Captain John Smith is unreliable. My decision for choosing this article is simply logical, I’ve studied Pocahontas in the past and have a firm understanding of her importance as a cultural bridge between the English and the Indians. This article is the best choice simply because Pocahontas is an example of how two cultures can coexist and even aid in each other during times of distress. Pocahontas was born into the most powerful Eastern Woodland Indian tribe of the Powhatan. Pocahontas life changed forever when three English ships arrived near the Chesapeake Bay in April 1607. After some complications between the people of Jamestown and the Powhatan tribe, Pocahontas was sent by her father to begin a peaceful communication...

Words: 570 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

What Role Did Chief Opechancanough Play In The American Revolution

...Chief Opechancanough was a tribal chief of the Powhatan Indians of what is now Virginia in the United States, and its leader from sometime after 1618 until his death in 1646. The increasing number of English settlements in the area was making the Indians fearful and angry because of the loss of their hunting grounds. In 1622, Opechancanough led an attack on the settlements outside Jamestown, killing 347 colonists. Then in 1644, Opechancanough led one last uprising, killing 500 more colonists. This time, however, he was captured. Later he was killed at Jamestown which being the outcome of forcing the Indians to sign a peace treaty. Benjamin Church was born in 1639 Plymouth Colony. He was the captain of the first Ranger force in America. Church designed his force primarily to emulate Indian patterns of war. He knew that the Indians didn't line up and fight like the English soldiers did. Church developed a special unit, mixing colonists with frontier skills with Indians to carry out strikes against hostile Indians and French. Toward the end, he learn to fight like Indians from Indians. William Pitt,1st Earl of Chatham was the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1766 to 1768. Pitt was a quite intelligent in both commercial and military strategy, and planned to weakening France by seizing its colonies. The more colonies that were seized the less the french have in resources and man power. Mystic River is in Massachusetts, United States. The river played a role in the American...

Words: 734 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Carpenters In The American Colonies

...Apothecary: These were men who provided medical treatment to people in the colonies. Some were even trained to be surgeons. Apothecaries were found in most colonies, in other words each colony probably had one. Basketmaker: These were people who made baskets. This was mostly a domestic activity and each family usually made their own. Baskets were very important to a rural family life. Therefore, this was very important for colonial Virginians. Brickmakers: Brickmaking was usually done by slaves, indentured servants, and the poor. The rich gentleman and landowners would usually assign their slaves to make bricks. Brick making was an important part in all colonies, especially in colonial Virginia. Carpenters: Carpenters were in charge of building the houses and other important buildings in the colonies. It became very important in the 18 century. Every colony needed multiple carpenters to help with the detailed job of woodwork. Blacksmith: Blacksmiths were very popular during the Revolutionary War. They were in charge of creating the armor and other useful tools. Because of the war against Great Britain, blacksmiths were important throughout the colonies. Tailor: These were people who were in charge of sewing clothes. The would measure the bodies of their clients and create clothes to fit their size. There were different styles of clothes in the different regions. The New England colonies had fancier dresses, while the southern colonies had clothes that would keep them cool....

Words: 500 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Early English Settlement In Early Jamestown

...Jamestown was an early colonial city that was founded by English settlers, located in what is now modern day Virginia. Early Jamestown lasted from 1607-1611, though it was going to become one of the best known settlement cities in the future and the first permanent English settlement in the area known today as the USA. However, there were already people living in the area that was to become Jamestown-The Indians. The Jamestown area was heavily populated with many tribes of Indians. The area was close to the Chesapeake Bay, which provided food and travel for the natives as well as jobs for farmers and fishermen. There is some evidence that the Indians were expecting an attack. On the tip of the Chesapeake bay there was Fort Algeman. The fort may have stored weapons, for attacks from someone over the ocean, or other nomad tribes who lived in the americas that wanted control over their land. When the ship carrying the English settlers arrived, the settlers showed early signs of overconfidence. The settlers went deep into the Chesapeake bay before the crew decided to land, and were brutal to the natives. The land that the English landed on had many possibilities. The English had hoped to work off their debt in the New World and own a piece of land one day. The settlers also hoped to give land to their home country and were keen to convert the natives to Christianity. Most of the settlers were poor and were 17-35 years old. Many of the settlers who came didn’t have much...

Words: 533 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Hardships In Jamestown

... When the Jamestown colony first formed, citizens had to endure many sacrifices and hardships. From losses to starvation and shortage of supplies, the people of Jamestown had to suffer through a series of crisis. If I had planned the Jamestown colony I would have sent farmers, craftsmen, doctors, and interpretors that could speak the Native American language, a seperate ship full of supplies and established a democracy. By sending people who are specialized in certain skills like farming, handywork, medicine, and interpretation it would increase the colony's chance for survival with with less casualties. One of the problems Jamestown faced was the lack of experience in farming, which led to failed crops. By hiring farmers this would have increased their chance in survival by establishing a steady source of food through produce. Craftsmen would provide sturdy housing for remaining citizens, instead of flimsy a shelter, and doctors would treat infections, wounds, and possibly help find treatments to foregin disease they eventually faced in the future. At that time even the smallest signs of abrasion would have led to infection that would have eventually led to fatality. Even though those three occupations would have been beneficial to the colony in the 1600s, it would have been useless without an interpretor who could communitcate with the original owners of the land. Interpretors could have relieved most of the closely fatal sitiuations the colony faced without farmers...

Words: 563 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Early Jamestown Research Paper

...10 men originally settled in Early Jamestown, but by the end of the first winter only 40 survived. The English came to America in 1607 to be the first permanent English settlement in the New World. They settled in a place that they soon called Jamestown, Virginia and the joint stock company called The Virginia Company, helped pay for the settlement. All of the first settlers were men and by then end of the first six months, 80 percent of them died. Early Jamestown was a colony of English settlers in America that lasted from the years 1607-1611. Something that puzzles historians is how many colonists died in Early Jamestown. Many colonists in Early Jamestown died because of environmental issues, their relationships with Native Americans and their lack of settler skills. The first reason why so many settlers in Early Jamestown died was because of the environmental issues. Brackish water was the only water made available to the settlers in Jamestown. Brackish water contains salt and is not sanitary to drink. You could drink and drink this water but never get hydrated from it. Diseases and bad health resulted from brackish water (Document A). There was a drought at the start of the English settlement in 1607 that lasted until 1612. No rain during the drought equals no growing crops which causes low food supply for the men. This low food supply lead to starvation (Document B). The brackish water and the severe drought are environmental issues that caused many deaths...

Words: 691 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Drought In Jamestown

...The shallow supply of sustenance for inhabitants of Jamestown, ultimately lead to a myriad of casualties. The colony was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a group of investors who hoped to profit from the venture. The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, carrying 105 passengers, one of whom died during the voyage, departed from England in December 1606 and reached the Virginia coast in late April 1607. The expedition was led by Captain Christopher Newport. On May 14, 1607, settlers with the aid of the Virginia Company landed on Jamestown Island to establish an English colony 60 miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. As told in Dennis B. Blanton’s “Jamestown’s Environment”, “Because the adjacent river and creeks became brackish as water levels rose, reliable sources of fresh water would have been scarce by seventeenth century…” Although brackish water contains fifty percent freshwater which is drinkable. It’s the other fifty saltwater that causes harm to the human body. Because human kidneys can only make urine that is less salty than salt water. The human kidneys must, get rid of all the excess salt taken in by drinking seawater, you have to urinate more water than you drank. Eventually, you die of dehydration even as you become thirstier. Drinking brackish water which was fouled by salt, arsenic, human waste or a medley of these contaminants caused dehydration and later death for multiple people in Jamestown. Within “The lost Colony and Jamestown Droughts”...

Words: 603 - Pages: 3