Matoaka (Pocahontas) and the Jamestown Collision

Introduction

The little-known facts about Pocahontas have captured the imagination of people of all ages and backgrounds, scholars, and non-scholars. The truth about Mateoaka is presented in both oral and written accounts. The encounter of Pocahontas and Englishman John Smith is dated back to 1607. Pocahontas was the last born daughter of chief Wahunsenaca of the Powhatan chiefdom. Society carried out marriage ceremonies. Also, the community embraced job specialization. The deteriorating relationship between the Englishmen at Jamestown and Powhatans led to the abduction of Pocahontas. She later died while a captive.

Pocahontas was the lastborn daughter of chief Wahunsenaca of the Powhatan chiefdom.

The mother died while giving birth to her in 1596. The name Pocahontas meant the playful. The chief considered her to be his favorite child. Wahunsenaca found joy in her daughter after the devastating loss of his wife. Aunts and cousins raised her until weaning age. The Englishmen called her the symbol of peace because she frequently rescued them from getting killed by the Powhatans. Pocahontas remarried after the killing of her husband by the Argal (Stebbins n.p). Society embraced job division and specialization. Women built houses, rear their children, and collected water to drink and cook. The men brought food and skin hides to their families. The division ensured everyone participated in taking care of the family. Upon reaching maturity, tasks were assigned to each individual based on their gender and age. Each member of the society was to be responsible. The Powhatans carried out marriages between them regardless of differences in social status. Pocahontas married Kacoun, who was his father's bodyguards. Society allowed people to marry a bride of their choice. Social class was not a hindrance to marriage between couples.

The deteriorating relationship between the Powhatans and the Englishmen led to the abduction and death of Pocahontas. The demand for food increased after drought struck the region. The Powhatans could not spare their little food to trade with their beads and other trinkets. The people decided to send them away, and other Englishmen were held captives. The English abducted Pocahontas as a negotiation Ransome for their citizens carried captives. The English also refused to obey the negotiation agreements after receiving their part. Later on, the chief’s daughter met her death while a prisoner of the English on her way from England. Therefore, the drought led to food shortage and could not continue battering their limited production to the English (Stebbins n.p). The chief chased away the settlers as they were too hostile. Also, others were detained. The Englishmen avenged by kidnapping Pocahontas. She was used as blackmail for the chief.

Matoaka's story still inspires many with her bravery at a very tender age. She shows incredible kindness with the constant rescue of the Englishmen from attacks. The social way of dividing tasks symbolized the great organization that existed among the members. The Englishmen displayed an excellent level of betrayal by abducting her. Also, the demand for more food produce amidst a calamity symbolized their selfish nature

Salem and Why It Turned Out As It Was

In 1692, Salem experienced an increased need for prosecution of witches for practicing witchcraft. The need for continued action against witches was intended to clean out the land. At the time, Salem was experiencing multiple war fits of rage and constant economic inflations, which affected considerable individuals at the time. As the war faired on, uncontrollable social injustice measures began to occur because of girls' ailments across the village. The girls experienced convulsive ergotism, which could be attributed to the rye used (Norton 7). The countless constant convulsions fit, and awkward behaviors amongst the affected girls led multiple residents to claim witchcraft practices were in place and needed to be eradicated (Linder n.p). As such, the war and constant witch hunt in Salem became a norm to eradicate witches. But the sole idea behind such actions was based on tribal differences and jealous (Schiff 45). These actions were directed at specific community members who owned and occupied great positional standings in the village, and accusing them of witchcraft provided them with unrightful killings to retain the wealth owned by those considered witches. As such, multiple accused persons were hanged for claims of being witches.

Explanations Advanced

Explanations such as witchcraft practices based on unlawful confessions and the need for Satan involvement became an essential part of Salem’s history. Multiple functions, such as courts and hanging gallows, were incorporated. Cultural norms and beliefs became influenced and therefore led to increased social tension on people who supported accused persons of witchcraft and those against the accused. Differences in cultural beliefs and practiced is the most highlighted explanation in the Salem witch hunt (Salem Witch Museum n.p). Indians were viewed as witches based on their cultural makeup, which was different from the village citizens. As such, misconceptions and myths became the norm, which brought about competition of resources between the wealthy south and less wealthy north of Salem. Political variations were also a contributing factor in predisposing the norm valuation.

Meaning of Sign in Salem’s Witch trials

The term fear and trigger equaled to a scapegoat held great importance in Salem witch trials as accused members of the society were hanged for confessing to practicing witchcraft. The fear stemmed from constant social tension while the trigger was attributed to specific individuals who held high power positions, which were later targeted and accused of witchcraft. They became scapegoats in that they could be eliminated for others to inherit their wealth. Individuals were randomly targeted and hanged for such reasons. Baseless meanings were attached to the sign, and therefore innocent blood was shade based on personal jealousies, and trials were used to settle old quarrels (Linder n.p). Therefore, older generations were targeted, and the trials offered them means of doing away with older beliefs. Similar patterns exist in today’s world as constant accounts of deaths, terrorism, and unethical health practices have been practiced based on unprincipled personal objectives. Countless deaths and misdemeanor actions have been in play across generations based on cultural differences, practices, and old system regimes.

Conclusion

In summary, Salem offers insight into how unprecedented social reforms had a major influence on societies and influenced organizational structures. Such influences led to unprecedented actions based on jealousy counts and impositions for reforms mandated by personal need. Salem also offers an overview of the measures and constant wars that erupted across the world and how they can impact different societies differently. Measures need to be in place to counteract reform objectives and influences. Salem also offers great historical study as it deepens our understanding of events that reshaped history and incentives derived from them. It also addresses historical accounts that are misunderstood and how they impact social cohesion and worldviews. It also helps us understand mandates that signify historical changes and political influences across multiple societies and communities.

Works Cited

Linder, Douglas. The Witchcraft Trials in Salem: An Account. 2020.print https://famous-trials.com/salem/2078-sal-acct

Norton, Mary Beth. "In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692." The Histories 5.1 (2019): 7. https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1100&context=the_histories

Salem Witch Museum. The 1692 Salem Witch Trials. 2020.print https://salemwitchmuseum.com/

Schiff, Stacy. The Witches: Salem, 1692. Hachette UK, 2015. http://media.public.gr/Books-PDF/9781474602242-1143225.pdf

Stebbins, Sarah. Pocahontas: Her Life and Legend. 2015. Print https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/pocahontas-her-life-and-legend.htm