John smith was born in 1580 in Willoughby, England. He left home in search of work at 16 after the death of his father, here he served in the army for a time before he decided to work not as a soldier for hire, but as an apprentice and sailor on a merchant ship. After this brief intermission he threw himself back into the fray. Fighting side by side with his fellow English men and Austrians against the Turks in the "long war".
John Smith
Explorer, author and soldier John Smith was the Englishman who founded the American colony of Jamestown during the 1600s. He worked to establish trade with the neighboring native American tribes. Later he returned to England and became an advocate of colonization in the Americas. He was a vital part of the survival of Jamestown and responsible for the continued growth of america. His fellow Virginians often heard him state that 'He that will not work, shall not eat.'
A Biography of John Smith
But his adventures had just begun. In 1602 smith was Wounded in a battle in the midst of Transylvania, he was captured. Taken prisoner and sold as a slave to a Turkish merchant. Having no use for him, the Turk sent Smith to his sweetheart as a gift, promising her that Smith would make a loyal servant. But the plan backfired. The girl fell deeply in love with smith her self and let him go, sending him to train with her brother as a part of the Imperial army. As thanks. when presented with an opening, smith killed the brother and made his daring escape across the frozen expanse of Russia, through Poland, and even across northern Africa before finally returning to England around 1604. Against all odds Smith had survived, at only 24 with nothing worse than a few broken bones and a story to tell.
An example of the thames river in london england, 1604
After his exciting exploits in eastern Europe, settling down back in London was a challenge. Suffering from ptsd, he absorbed himself in a new cause, the Virginia colonization. These plans were made by the Virginia company, a joint stock company that dealt in giving money out to those looking to colonize Virginia.
Quiz
Who was John Smith?
- An explorer who helped aide in Virginians colonization
- A soldier who fought in the 'Long War'
- A trapper that took advantage of his time over seas in order to hunt beaver
- A dedicated leader at the head of the Jamestown colony
the Virginia company: the Virginia company was a company set up in the late 1500s when England was a relatively poor nation. Queen Elizabeth the first gave her blessing to Sir Walter Raleigh to try to personally fund a Roanoke colony expedition. After Roanoke's frailer the fund was still standing. Wealthy English men would put money towards the colony and hoped that in turn the colony could give back to them. Finally king James the first gave the Virginia company a charter in 1606. After Jamestown was settled and no gold or silver was found, investments dropped. They dropped further when the Indian massacre happened and thousands of settlers died. At this time the king revoked the charter and made Jamestown a royal colony.
Eager to begin, smith was placed on the crew of three ships heading out to the new Americas, or present day Virginia. The voyage was a little over 4 moths long, with bellies empty and tempers running high, it want long before the outspoken smith was taxed with mutiny and kept aboard as a prisoner rather than an explorer. Fortunately, he was quickly and apologetically released after the colony leaders found the documents stating that smith was to be on the governing council. In 1607 they arrived.
After reaching Virginia, smith was charged with the bartering and trade of goods with the native american tribes. Foremost being the Powhatan confederacy. The settlers were dropping fast from lack of food and sickness so something had to be done. Smith also was in charge of exploring and mapping the surrounding area. such as the Chickahominy River region. It was here that he was taken captive By the Powhatan chief. Allegedly, the chiefs 12 year old daughter, Pocahontas rushed in to save him from execution.
However, it is known that Powhatan let smith live. Not much is known about the 'relationship' between Pocahontas and John smith. But the chief did give smith and his men reign f the territory and protection, if not allegiance. The help from the Powhatan tribe was the leading factor in the survival of the Jamestown colonists.
Later On September 10, 1608 smith became the president of the colony council. At this time he also sent a letter to England detailing his time in the colonies. This is viewed as the first book ever to come from america.
Smith ruled with an iron fist, making sure there was enough food. He was also responsible for the first well dug, as well as the expansion of the fort and the repairing of houses.
Quiz
When did Smith become the president of the colony council?
- 1607
- 1608
- 1609
- 1610
The jamestown fort
After returning to England, smith was forced to give up his claim on the settlement due to wounds he had gathered back on american soil. The charges of mutiny also came down on him full force as soon as he touched down of English soil. No court cases were documented, but smith but smith was unable to return to america. After several unsuccessful attempts at voyaging to the Americas, (also after coining the term new England to describe the land), he was forced to admit defeat. But the reality of not seeing his mission complete didn't stop him. He became a writer and an avid supporter of colonization. finally Smith died in London, England in 1631 at age 51. After publishing many books and pamphlets on his time over seas.
Quiz
Important dates!
Summary
John Smith was a man possessed. Filled with a wanderlust and thirst for discovering the unknown. He was responsible of the survival of the first american colonies and his records of the land helped many explorers who outlived hi to document their own findings. He was a strong leader with enough military experience and determination to keep the colonies alive. He sparked the flame that began the white american empire. He is responsible. not solely, but certainly partially for the america we live in today. Be that a good or bad thing.