Why did John Smith wrote "Starving Time in Virginia"?

To understand why John Smith wrote "Starving Time in Virginia," we can follow these steps:

1. Research John Smith: Start by researching John Smith, who he was, and his significance in history. John Smith was an English explorer who played a vital role in the founding of the Jamestown settlement in Virginia in the early 17th century. He was a prominent figure in the early years of the colony and documented various aspects of Jamestown's history.

2. Understand the context: The next step is to comprehend the historical context in which John Smith wrote "Starving Time in Virginia." During the winter of 1609-1610, a period known as the "Starving Time," the early Jamestown settlers faced severe hardships, including food shortages, disease, and conflicts with Native American tribes.

3. Explore motivation: To uncover the reasons behind John Smith's decision to write about the "Starving Time," we need to examine his motivations. As a leader in Jamestown, Smith likely felt a responsibility to document and communicate the challenges faced by the colony during this critical period. His account aimed to inform and educate others about the difficulties of establishing a colony in a new and unfamiliar environment.

4. Analyze historical significance: Consider the historical significance of "Starving Time in Virginia." Smith's writings provided a firsthand account of the struggles faced by the early settlers and shed light on the harsh realities of colonization. His account serves as a valuable historical record, offering insights into the early days of Jamestown and the difficulties faced by the English colonizers.

By following these steps, we can gain a deeper understanding of why John Smith wrote "Starving Time in Virginia" and how his writings contribute to our knowledge of early American history.