Columbus, Smith, and the Beginnings of American Identity - Essay Example

?Columbus, Smith, and the Beginnings of American Identity In the writings of Christopher Columbus and in the later writings of John Smith one can begin to see an American identity gradually being formed. Obviously, before America became a country unto itself, we can also see how the New World was still subservient to European laws and traditions. Both Columbus and Smith generally viewed their undertakings as being for the glory of England and Spain respectively. In this sense, they were merely servants to the wishes of their rulers. But we can also see that both men undertook their voyages for personal reasons as well. Religion also played a very significant role in shaping early American identity. One of the main goals of both voyages was to convert the heathen nations to Christianity. Also, economics and industry was very important as well and another major reason that Columbus and Smith were supported and sustained by their home countries. This essay will describe how these four things: a pioneering spirit, religion, individualism, and industry are major themes in the writings of both Columbus and Smith as well as show the cultural implications of their narratives and how they may have influenced American identity. From reading Columbus’ “Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain Describing the First Voyage,” we get the sense that Columbus had a pioneering and adventurous spirit. This attribute is comparable to many of America’s pioneers who traveled west; taking up their roots and moving to a relatively unknown and untamed land. One might say that many Americans felt the same way Columbus did and sort of followed in his footsteps. So perhaps Columbus and others like him were responsible for shaping this part of American identity which has characterized American culture. Similarly, from John Smith’s “A General Historie of Virginia,” we can see his pioneering and adventurous attitude as well. Additionally, we get an idea of Smith’s perseverance in the face of hardships. He and his fellow settlers faced starvation, war, dissention, and disease, yet he persisted in staying there and making the colony productive. This persistence in the face of hardships also characterizes American identity and further describes what it means to have a pioneering spirit. Another thing that has greatly influenced American identity is Christianity. From the way they write about Christianity, both Columbus and Smith appear to be devoutly religious. They almost see themselves as missionaries who have a duty to bring Christianity to the heathen nations. Columbus writes that he gave the natives gifts in order “that they might conceive affection for us and, more than that, might become Christians and be inclined to the love and services of Your Highnesses” (2). Spain was, of course, a Catholic nation at this time. In his letter, Columbus shows that he is doing this for God and for his country. So we can see his nationalistic pride as well as devotion to his country’s religious beliefs. America itself was founded on religious (predominantly Christian) beliefs, so one can see how the religion of the first Europeans influenced American values and religion. Converting “savages” to Christianity is a dominant goal for Smith as well. He writes, “The gaining Provinces addeth to the King’s Crown: but the reducing Heathen people to civility and true Religion bringeth honour to the King of Heaven” (4). Again we see the great extent to which religion is connected to the home country and how when both men speak about their countries their religious sentiments usually follow immediately. Both Spain and England were basically inseparable with the Christian religion at this time. In Columbus letter, we can see how his mission is undertaken in service to God and the King of Spain. His voyage would not have been possible without the financial support of the King and Queen; therefore he is indebted to them to do as they wish. Yet we can also see a passion for his individualism and the pride that comes with accomplishing something on his own in the letter. It is entirely possible that Columbus undertook his voyage not only for his country and his religion, but to achieve fame as well. He may have relished the task because of the fame and riches it would bring him. The concept of going out on your own and forging your own path is also an individualist proposition. Basically, the voyage benefited both Columbus personally as well as Spain, and this is why the voyage was commissioned. The individualism that Columbus possessed is also a big part of American culture. We can also see that Smith’s writings show him to be individualistic as well. Although he is a servant to both the King and the business which is financing him, he occasionally disagrees with these entities and doesn’t follow their orders explicitly. His account of one such instance is as follows: “The Salvages being acquainted, that by command from England we durst not hurt them, were much imboldned; that famine and their insolencies did force me to breake our Commission and instructions” (90). Note that Smith did not ask for permission to do this but went ahead and did it. This shows that he has some degree of leniency and possesses the individualistic attitude of leadership in willing to disobey orders in order to do what he thinks is right. Another dominant theme in both of these writings is the concept of economics and industry. This was another reason that both voyages were undertaken. Both countries were interested in discovering precious metals and other resources and also expanding their economic bases. Columbus writes about the immensity of Gold and other precious metals and the benefit this will bring to Spain. He also speaks of other things that will increase trade and add to the Spanish economy. Similarly, Smith writes of the benefit that the New World will have on England’s shipping and fishing industries. He doesn’t place an emphasis on Gold and deplores those who search for it in the New World because he feels like they are wasting their time searching for something that probably isn’t there. Instead, he focuses on making a strong and sustainable community. Of course, economics and industry of the utmost importance to Americans as well. To conclude, we can see how Columbus and Smith’s views of the New World are fairly closely aligned with American culture and identity. They are commissioned by their respective voyages by their homelands but you also get a sense of their desire to be separate and be on their own. However, there is no doubt that European ideals influenced the culture of the New World. After all, America was established mainly by transplanted Europeans and the ideals they brought from their homelands. One can see how these writings may have influenced those who lived in both Spain and England at the time and perhaps certain people identified with their views of the New World and therefore desired to settle there and be a part of something aligned with European ideals but also be separate from them. In regards to understanding these narratives within this context, we can see how they fit in with the literary American tradition and are a precedent and influence to later American events and American literature as well. Additionally, we can see the desires that Columbus and Smith had for the New World and how they are trying to achieve the vision they have for a specific cultural identity. Works Cited Columbus, Christopher. Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain Describing the First Voyage. 1493. Web. 13 July 2011. Smith, John. The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles. 1580-1631. Web. 13 July 2011. Read More