When the first American settlement on Roanoke Island was established in 1585 its primary force, Sir Walter Raleigh, had no idea that this New World would evolve into one of the most powerful voices in the modern world. But before it developed it would have to shaped by its founders from the Western world. Two of the largest voices in Americas early development are John Smith, who with a group of English merchants, hoped to get rich in this new land, and William Bradford, a puritan farmer who was one of the most influential men involved with the Mayflower compact. In their two pieces they both convey America as a place to escape but fail to reach many other similar conclusions on what America was like at this time.In John Smiths A Description of New England he portrays early American life as a place for great opportunities to start over, live easily, and to turn small fortunes into a great wealth. Smith earned credibility for making these statements by leading many expeditions in America such as Jamestown. An example of Smith attempting to persuade the reader into believing that America was a place for rebirth he stated What please could be more than recreate themselves before their own doors. Smith obviously believes that the potential settlers would find it easy to drastically adjust their lifestyle in this new world. Another common theme in Smiths piece is that he states America is an easy place to live. ... is it no pretty sport to pull up two pence, six pence, and twelve pence as fast as you can haul and veer a line? Smith stated when describing how easy it would be to take in money by being an angler in this new world full of divers sorts of excellent fish. The third theme ever-present in Smiths piece is that with ease the new settlers would be able to turn small fortunes into a great wealth. One example of this belief is when smith declared ...people that have small wealth to live on, here by their labor [they] may live exceedin...
