Both William Bradford and John Smith helped found American colonies. How did their actions differ?
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To understand the differences in the actions of William Bradford and John Smith in founding American colonies, we can look into their respective colonies and their approaches.
William Bradford was a key figure in the founding of the Plymouth Colony in 1620. He was one of the Pilgrims, a group of English Separatists seeking religious freedom. Bradford served as the governor of Plymouth Colony for over 30 years. Here are some key aspects of his actions:
1. Religious Motivation: Bradford and his fellow Pilgrims sought religious freedom and established Plymouth Colony as a haven for their religious beliefs.
2. Cooperative Approach: Bradford emphasized a sense of community and cooperation among the settlers, encouraging a communal system where resources were shared for the common good. This helped the colony survive and thrive, forming strong relationships with the Native Americans.
3. Self-Governance: Bradford played a significant role in establishing a self-governing system in Plymouth Colony. This included the Mayflower Compact, a legal agreement that established basic laws and regulations for the colony, and town meetings where decisions were made collectively.
On the other hand, John Smith played a crucial role in the establishment of the Jamestown colony in 1607. Here are some notable differences in his actions:
1. Economic Interests: The primary motivation behind the Jamestown colony was economic gain. The Virginia Company, which financed the colony, sought to establish a profitable venture through the cultivation of tobacco.
2. Leadership Style: As one of the leaders of the colony, Smith implemented a more authoritarian and disciplined approach. He enforced strict rules and ensured the settlers focused on labor and survival.
3. Relations with Native Americans: While the Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony developed cooperative relationships with the Native Americans, Smith and the Jamestown settlers had a more contentious relationship. Smith's confrontational approach led to strained relations and conflicts with local Powhatan tribes.
In summary, William Bradford and John Smith had different motivations, leadership styles, and approaches to Native-American relations in founding their respective colonies. Bradford focused on religious freedom, cooperation, and self-governance in Plymouth Colony, while Smith emphasized economic gain, discipline, and encountered conflicts in Jamestown Colony.