Study Notes on English Visions of North America and Richard Hakluyt's Contributions

LECTURE FOUR: ENGLISH VISIONS OF NORTH AMERICA

This section delves into the English perspectives surrounding North American colonization during the late 16th century. The focus will be on the significant contributions and arguments made by Richard Hakluyt, a pivotal figure in promoting England's colonial efforts.

VOYAGE ACCOUNT

Richard Hakluyt is known for his comprehensive work titled The Principal Navigations, Voyages, and Discoveries of the English Nation, published in 1589. This compilation serves as both a historical account and an argument for English expansion into the New World, framing the narrative of exploration and colonization from an English viewpoint.

RICHARD HAKLUYT (1552-1616)

Richard Hakluyt, a prominent advocate of English colonization, was an explorer and writer whose work helped shape the English understanding of and approach to the New World. His major contribution, The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, and Discoueries of the English Nation, emphasizes the rationalization for England's imperial ambitions.

Principal Arguments for Colonization

Hakluyt's arguments are foundational to understanding the rationale behind English colonization:

  1. Find Gold or Steal It from the Spanish: The search for wealth through precious metals was a driving force for colonization, often highlighted by the transparent desire to rival Spain's successful conquests in the Americas.

  2. Find Northwest Passage to Asia: The pursuit of a faster trade route to Asia via the Northwest Passage underscored England's economic interests, promising quicker access to the lucrative Asian markets.

  3. Relieve Social Pressures: Colonization was seen as a solution to social issues within England, such as overpopulation, unemployment, and poverty, by providing new opportunities for settlement and employment in the New World.

  4. Acquire Land for New Feudal Order in America: The establishment of colonies was also linked to the desire to create a new social order based on feudal principles, redistributing land to loyal subjects and establishing new aristocracies.

  5. Raw Materials and New Markets: Colonies would yield valuable raw materials that could be traded or used within England, fostering economic independence and supporting mercantilist policies.

  6. Gain Useful Knowledge: Exploring and settling in new territories would contribute to England's knowledge base regarding navigation, geography, and indigenous peoples' cultures.

  7. Prevent the Spread of Catholicism: One of the moral imperatives woven into the narrative was the notion of halting the expansion of Catholic influence, particularly from Spain, in favor of promoting Protestantism.

  8. Liberate Native Americans from Cruel Spaniards: The English portrayed their colonial endeavors as a civilizing mission, aiming to protect Native Americans from Spanish exploitation and convert them to Christianity. This paternalistic view justified colonization under the guise of moral duty.

JOINT STOCK COMPANIES

The period of English exploration and colonization was notably influenced by the Joint Stock Company model, which represented an early form of private corporate investment.

Characteristics of Joint Stock Companies

  • Private Corporations: Joint stock companies were formed by groups of investors who pooled their resources to fund voyages and settlements in the New World.

  • Adventure Money and Stock Acquisition: Investors purchased "stock" in these ventures, thereby participating in the financial risks and rewards associated with colonial undertakings.

  • Charters from Monarchs: These companies received grants and charters from the crown, authorizing them to settle lands in America and conduct trade.

  • Origin of American Democracy: The collective decision-making aspect of joint stock companies is considered one of the progenitors of democratic principles in America, laying groundwork for future governance structures.

Examples of Joint Stock Companies

Some of the notable joint stock companies that played significant roles in the early colonization efforts included:

  • Virginia Company: Established to create settlements in Virginia, it was responsible for the first permanent English colony at Jamestown in 1607.

  • Massachusetts Bay Company: Founded to support the establishment of a colony in New England; it played a central role in the Puritan migration during the early 17th century.

VISUAL ELEMENTS: WHITE'S WATERCOLORS

While the lecture mentions the presence of watercolors created by John White, notable examples include depictions of Indigenous people in their daily lives, serving as a visual representation of the cultures encountered during colonization. These artworks contribute to our understanding of Native American societies and their interactions with European colonizers.