The Colonial Period – MLA
By Marrisa Brown
Liberty University
ENGL 201-B05
When examining the Colonial Period, prominent historians such as John Smith, William
Bradford, and John Winthrop are names that are often discussed. Due to their literary works,
these three men gave us a glimpse into what life was like for people during this time period.
Throughout the Colonial Period, Smith, Bradford, and Winthrop each dealt with hardships like
starvation and illness while trying to lead their communities but otherwise, they were all vastly
different individuals. John Smith and John Winthrop were both considered aggressive leaders,
who had been known to push the boundaries, while William Bradford was focused on the well-
being of his community. Winthrop also had formal education throughout his upbringing in to his
adulthood, while Smith and Bradford did not, which can be evident in their writings. Although
Smith, Bradford, and Winthrop were all prominent historical figures who had similarities in the
development of their colonies, their differences in writing styles are immeasurable.
John Smith is the most widely recognized historian out of the three as he was one of the
leaders who helped establish the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. As the son of a successful
farmer with no formal education, like John Winthrop, he still recognized the “power of print” in
regards with attracting people to migrate to his colony. “Smith’s heroic adventures and the rosy
pictures painted in promotional tracts and travel narratives bore little relation to actualities in
Jamestown Colony.” (Belascoe, 2014) The settlement had to deal with disease, lack of food
supply, and hostility from the native population, which most of the colonists were not prepared
for. John Smith had been elected president of the Jamestown Colony’s governing council where
he enacted strict discipline and labor policies, that did help improve conditions. Due to his strict
tactics, this made him extremely unpopular within the Jamestown Colony. After becoming badly
injured in a gunpowder explosion, he left the colony to seek treatment but when he tried to come
back, they did not want him to return.
“In an effort to gain support for his return to the colony, however, Smith completed much
of the first book of his Generall Historie by September 1622…” (Belascoe, 2014) The Generall
Historie was divided in to six books, where Smith is the main character, often referring to
himself in the third person. He spent the remaining years of his life in England publishing other
literary works such as New England’s Trials and even an autobiography, The True Travels,
Adventures, and Observations of Captaine John Smith, in Asia, Africa, and America.
Although John Smith may be a more recognizable historical figure, William Bradford
was considered more likable within his colony. He was deeply moved by the preaching of Richard
Clyfton, who was seeking to reform the Church of England and organized what is known as the
Separatist congregation. Bradford left his home to join the church, where he spent the rest of his
life devoting himself to the interests and welfare of the Separatist group. “In 1611, when he was
twenty-one, Bradford came into an inheritance of land in England, but he did not return home.
Instead, he immediately sold the property, using the proceeds to buy a loom and a house, as well
as to make a contribution toward the purchase of a church building for the Separatists.”
(Belascoe, 2014) Bradford became the primary leader and author for the colony, where he was
elected Governor in 1621. He was known for writing in “plain style” or “simple truth”; “For him
that regard for “simple truth” meant accurately recording and seeking to
interpret the meaning of events dictated by God, the true author of all history.” (Belascoe, 2014)
Just like Smith, Bradford knew that his writings would only help promote further future
advancement of the congregation long after he was gone. “With an instinct for the beckoning
future, he carefully preserved many notes and documents. From these he later crafted his
journal, known today as Of Plymouth Plantation.” (Honiss-Kelso, William Bradford) Before his
passing, Bradford wrote a poem which offered an assessment of his life:
“From my years young in days of youth, God did make known to me this truth, And
call’d me from my native place For to enjoy the means of grace. In wilderness he did me
guide, And in strange lands for me provide, In fears and wants, through weal and woe, A
Pilgrim passed I to and fro” (Belascoe, 2014)
Lastly, and probably the most educated of the three, is John Winthrop. Winthrop came
from a privileged, upper-class family where he had private tutors and spent two years at
Cambridge University before leaving and earning his degree in Groton. He went on to attend law
school afterwards. As a Puritan, he saw the growing pressure and chances of persecution in
England during his time there. He published a tract in 1629 called, “Arguments for the plantation
of New England” where he warned, “God will bring some heavye Affliction upon this lande,”
(Belascoe, 2014) He joined with other like-minded individuals to establish the Massachusetts
Bay Colony, where he was elected governor in 1629. Bradford also kept a detailed journal, like
William Bradford, which examined his account of founding the colony as well as his religious
beliefs. This journal was published and is now known as, “The History of New England from 1630
– 1649.” Winthrop envisioned his community to work harmoniously, which he wrote about in his
most famous works called, “A Modell of Christian Charity”. “He is primarily referenced in the
modern day, however, for A Model of Christian Charity, which later writers and U.S. presidents
have referenced in holding the United States up as a "city on a hill" which commands the
attention and respect of the rest of the world and has encouraged the concept of American
Exceptionalism.” (Mark, John Winthrop)
Works Cited
Belasco, Susan, and Linck Johnson. The Bedford Anthology of American Literature. Second ed.,
One, Bedford/St.Martins, 2014.
Honiss-Kelso, Dorothy. “William Bradford.” Pilgrim Hall Museum,
pilgrimhall.org/william_bradford.htm.
Mark, Joshua J. “John Winthrop.” World History Encyclopedia, World History Encyclopedia, 14
Jan. 2021, www.worldhistory.org/John_Winthrop/.
In order to see the impact all three-gentleman had on our history, it’s important to
compare how they handled life in the colonies through their literary works to see the differences.
John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop all helped establish a new colony, and were
all notable leaders of these colonies. Only Bradford and Winthrop, though, were well liked
amongst their peers. They both also were proactive enough to keep detailed journaled accounts
of their experiences that could help their colonies in the future, whereas John Smith took his
experiences and embellished them, masking the hardships he endured. These three prominent
historical figures are integral to learning about the experiences of our ancestors and some of their
literary works, we still use as guidelines for our practices today.
