Primary sources covering important events in history can be used to define different historical perspectives. Furthermore, exploring different perspectives can provide a clearer image of historical events. For example, the study of various historical accounts from early colonists can demonstrate how the relationship between Native Americans and European colonists developed over time. Thus, even though the groups had significant differences, they had the opportunity to coexist peacefully.
Firstly, in order to understand the initial progress in relationships between the Native Americans and colonists, it is crucial to start the analysis from early historical accounts. Thus, the records from Christopher Columbus’s journal point that the groups “might form great friendship” (37). However, Columbus suggests that friendship between two groups requires converting Native Americans to the Christian faith (37). Furthermore, the text proposes the creation of unequal friendship between groups, where Native Americans will play the role of servants (Columbus 38). Therefore, the colonists initially wanted to form unequal friendships with Native Americans by taking advantage of their kindness.
Next, later historical accounts exhibit a higher degree of acceptance of Native Americans’ lifestyle. Thus, Thomas Morton’s reflections describe Native Americans as “more happy’ people with “freer life” who are “guided only by the light of nature” (40). Morton used the elements of Native Americans’ culture, such as respect for elders and lack of greed, to point on Western culture’s flaws. Furthermore, Chrestien Le Clercq’s records demonstrate that Indians were happy to be content with what they had, and adopting the French “manner of living” affected their health (106). Thus, after the records of Columbus, the society was more open to consideration and protection of Native Americans’ life values.
In conclusion, exploring the primary sources led to the conclusion that despite significant differences, the two groups had the possibility of coexisting peacefully. However, the colonists’ unwillingness to consider different views and values was fitting with their desire to conquer more land and natural resources. Lastly, the Native Americans’ happiness in life without faith which seemed attractive to some Europeans, posed a threat to the stability of Christianity.
Works Cited
Columbus, Christopher. The Journal of Christopher Columbus (during His First Voyage, 1492-93) and Documents Relating the Voyages of John Cabot and Gaspar Corte Real. Edited by Sir Clements Robert Markham, Hakluyt Society, 1893.
Le Clercq, Crestien. New Relation of Gaspesia: With the Customs and Religion of the Gaspesian Indians. Edited by William F. Ganong, Champlain Society, 1910.
Morton, Thomas. The New English Canaan. Applewood Books, 2011.