The American Yawp - Chapter 2: Colliding Cultures

Section 1: Introduction

The Columbian Exchange transformed both sides of the Atlantic with varied outcomes.
- New diseases decimated American civilizations.
- Nutrient-rich foods led to a European population boom.
Spain gained wealth from the Aztec and Incan empires, strengthening its monarchy.
Other European nations such as Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and England raced to explore the New World.
Native peoples had varied responses, from cooperation to violence.
By the end of the 17th century, Spain lost its privileged position to rivals.

Spain extended its American reach, seeking religious and economic dominance.
- Juan Ponce de León explored Florida in 1513; indigenous populations were decimated by European contact.
- Spanish colonizers frequently clashed with indigenous peoples and other Europeans.
Spain's reach in Florida was tenuous and marked by conflict.
- The Spanish expanded missions and settlements using the encomienda system.
- Missions became the engine of colonization, leading to further Spanish presence in North America.

European unrest and the Reformation fueled exploration and colonization.
Reports of Spanish atrocities, known as the Black Legend, justified European colonization.
The French:
- Subsidized early exploration, focusing on fur trade.
- Established Quebec and engaged in cooperative relationships with natives.
- Developed "Middle Ground" with native peoples, balancing trade and alliances.
The Dutch:
- Achieved colonial success with advanced capitalism.
- Established New Netherland, focusing on trade and avoiding Spanish-like atrocities.
- Cultural clashes persisted but Dutch sought peaceful colonization.
The Portuguese:
- Divided New World with Spain via Treaty of Tordesillas.
- Focused on sugar and slave trade in Brazil, with significant African cultural influence.

England aimed to match Spain's New World wealth.
The Protestant Reformation and English mercantilism fueled colonization desires.
Religious motives also justified colonization, seen as godly work.
Joint-stock companies initiated colonization efforts.
- Virginia Company formed in 1606.
English colonization differed from Spanish and French efforts, focusing on conquest rather than integration.

In 1607, Jamestown established as the first permanent English colony.
Faced numerous challenges: poor location, disease, starvation.
John Smith’s leadership and Native American assistance were crucial.
Tobacco became a vital crop, saving the colony from ruin and incentivizing further colonization.
Conflicts with Powhatan Confederacy escalated.
English viewed themselves as superior, justifying the takeover of native lands.

Founded with religious motives, primarily by Puritans.
Puritans sought to purify the Church of England and establish a godly community.
New England colonies had a more balanced society with small farms and shared prosperity.
Disease and political stability aided population growth.
Puritan communities focused on religious and communal norms but faced internal conflicts and diversity.
Growth of religious pluralism over time.

Early English settlements were minor compared to Caribbean sugar colonies.
An emerging Atlantic economy began tying together various regions.
The economy became increasingly reliant on slave labor, leading to new cultural systems and identities.
The collision of cultures in the Americas sparked new understandings and modes of social control.