Introduction
John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop are some of the English explorers and colonial leaders who significantly influenced history and contemporary literature. The U.S. was one of the earliest countries to be invaded by English colonizers. Although the colonial regime is associated with human atrocities, the colonizers greatly contributed to the development of historical literary works. John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop helped England in establishing colonies in the U.S. Additionally, the three wrote literature crucial for understanding the spread and operationalization of colonialism in the U.S. Although the three expressed different attitudes and messages in their writings, their works as historians and writers help in exploring the U.S. colony.
Similarities
John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop had various similar features as historians and writers. Firstly, the three historians and writers were born in England, shaping their literary works. John Smith’s birth date is unclear, but it is believed that he was born and baptized in Willoughby, near Alford, Lincolnshire (Walter, 2022). During his mid-life, he served as a mercenary in the army of Henry IV of France against the Spaniards. William Bradford was born in 1590 and was one of the English men who escaped persecution from King James I of England. Meanwhile, John Winthrop’s birthday is unknown but is believed to come from a Christian family. The three wrote diaries and journals that expressed their lives in England and their perspectives on colonization.
Secondly, the three historians and writers held reputable positions in the English colonial government in the U.S. Therefore, they wrote various articles and journals that helped in the establishment and control of the U.S. colony. John Winthrop’s writings were dominated by the phrase “city upon the hill” which intended to spread religious teachings in the colonies. For instance, in his ‘A Model of Christian Charity’, he states, “We must uphold a familiar commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberality” (Delbanco, 2021). Similarly, John Smith and William Bradford wrote literary works that dominated New England’s colonial development and influenced various governments.
Lastly, the three historians were biased against the nature of the Native Americans as expressed in their writings. As colonial leaders and explorers, the three has opinions that made the native Americans misinformed and unenlightened. For instance, William Bradford in his ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’ says, “All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties…” (Winthrop, 1838). The averment is believed to have been describing the Native Americans as people who were negligent and difficult to rule. Although the three were biased against the Native Americans and the locals of the areas they explored, their experiences changed their beliefs.
Differences
While John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop had similar writing styles and motivations, they had differences. The commonest difference in their writings was the message spread. William Bradford and John Winthrop’s works were dominated by the message of Christianity. John Winthrop’s ‘The Humble Request of His Majesties Loyal Subjects’ defended the Crown and the Church of England. William Bradford states (1952), “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing…” in his ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’. Meanwhile, John Smith’s workings were greatly focused on spreading colonialization and not Christianity. The different messages sent by the three drew controversial opinions on their literary works.
Another difference between the three is the attitude they received from the public about their writings. Many scholars criticize John Smith’s credibility as an author due to inconsistencies in his narratives. For instance, his ‘The Pocahontas’ episode misses in “A True Relation”, but appears in “The Generall Historie” (Belasco & Johnson, 2014). Therefore, many believe that John Smith should not be regarded as a credible author. Unlike John Smith, William Bradford and John Winthrop have been credited as influential writers and historians of the American colonization period. While the three had different approaches to writing and accounting for historical events, their writing has been crucial in the U.S. and England’s history.
Influence on the Contemporary Literature
Colonization in the U.S. and other British protectorates significantly influenced socialization and economic developments. It may be difficult to understand how colonialism spread. However, John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop’s journals and diaries present real-life encounters of the colonialists. Consequently, their writings are often referred to by historians and other scholars. Moreover, their works, especially on Christianity and the Church of England, are significant in understanding the ancient English form of governance and religious practices. Therefore, the three historians played a pivotal role in contemporary literature.
Conclusion
John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop play a crucial role in the establishment of English colonies in the U.S. and other territories. The three were born in England, held reputable positions in the English colonial government, and were biased against the nature and character of the colonized. However, they differed in the message spread, attracting contradicting criticisms from their audiences. The similarities and differences in the literary works of John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop are pivotal in understanding colonial history.
References
Walter, J. C. (2022). Records, historical and antiquarian, of Parishes round Horn-castle. DigiCat.
Bradford, W. (1952). Bradford’s history of Plymouth plantation, 1606-1646. New York: Barnes and Noble
Delbanco, A. (2021). John Winthrop, a model of Christian charity (1630). In The Puritans in America. Harvard University Press. Web.
Belasco, S., & Johnson, L. (2014). Bedford anthology of American literature (2nd ed.). Bedford Books