The Exploration And Colonization

The discovery of the New World (America) on the Christmas Day of 1492 would later open a new continent for European people and explorers. However, the long-spanning stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separated America from Europe caused much trepidation and fear within the hearts of the people who were asked to settle there. In order to encourage settlement, European writers particularly the early explorers, many of whom were priests, soldiers, and administrators gave glowing narrations of the human and natural resources of America.

With the docile Native Americans and the availability of important natural resources, America was a perfect place to live in and colonize. European writers chose to give vibrant explanations of the natural beauty of America, its friendly people, and the abundant wildlife, aquatic life, and vegetation. As Perkins explained, the explorers also wrote about the possibility of trading with Indians since numerous Native American tribes formed a peaceful exchange relation with the European settlers during the initial phases of settlement.

The European writers delved deeper into the natural resources that America could offer. From the many native animals to the plenty fish at the sea, to the many bays, rivers, and lakes, explorers were entranced with the New World that would later become America. In his account, Samuel de Champlain even stated that there was a large extent of open land along the shore before one reaches the woods, and all areas were very beautiful and attractive. For instance, Champlain explains that before reaching their cabins they onetime entered a field that had been planted with Indian corn and the corn was about 5.

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5 feet high and was in flower. Another corn was less advanced, indicating that it had been planted later. Besides, Champlain narrates seeing Brazilian beans and large amounts of squashes of different sizes that were very good for human consumption.

The natives were also cultivating tobacco and roots. With regard to the woods, they are portrayed as filled with beautiful cypresses, nut-trees, and oaks, which have a very enjoyable odor and a reddish color. On his part, John Smith composed for the future European settlers when settlement began to increase. He also drew maps and pectoral representations for the settlers, largely giving them dreams that made them come to America. What significantly accounted for the drive of settlers coming to America was his adventure as he narrated the story of his rescue by the Pocahontas. Via the stories, readers in Europe could imagine the issues of settlement in virgin lands.

All through his letters, Smith made promises for a great future for the United Kingdom, and at some point said: “I would rather live in this new found land than anywhere else”. After arrival to England, Smith’s limited time works significantly contributed to the English endeavors for an American Empire, leading to further settlement. Simply put, the image that European writers constructed to promote colonization and settlement in America was that possibilities for them were boundless. America later turned into the Promised Land for the settlers, offering them the belief of a dream of increased opportunities along with new hopes that had been denied in the Old World.

Of the many colonies that the English established, the Middle Colonies benefited from the best geographical area as stated in the early documents, including stored natural resources of the continent, easy access to the great inland waterways, and a good balance of commercial, manufacturing, and agricultural potentials. Furthermore, considering that these colonies were more distant south, they benefited from loads of rain and daylight and hence a longer season of crop cultivation. Even though colonialism was later defeated, the descriptions of the early European explorers are still relevant to the United States, especially considering that the former Middle Colonies are perfect for crop cultivation. Likewise, farmers have the advantage of convenient means by which to transport their produce to business sectors where the harvest is sold and supplies equally purchased. Farmers have exploited these aspects and many centuries later, agriculture continues to fuel America’s economy and will do so way into the future.