The interaction between English settlers and other natives
The interaction between English settlers and other natives who had settled there is one of many North American events that define American history. As a result, it is ultimately a reflection and recollection of various interactions between English immigrants and some people who made the country their home before the English settlers arrived. The majority of the locals were Africans, Indians, and "Witches." However, as they entered the land and created their own dominions, the settlers showed little to no respect for the indigenous people. Consequently, the English settlers impose their practices and ways with an aim of assimilating the various natives they interacted with. The settlers forced the natives to work as laborers in some of their farms. Further, another essential form of the interaction was in regards to the rate of alienation and suspicion of the witches within the colonies that were mostly influenced by the English political unrests.
Thesis Statement
The interactions between the natives that existed in North America specifically between the English settlers, Africans, Indians and the "Witches was characterized by racial discrimination and inequality. The Indians were discriminated against based on race and as such the English settlers disregarded their rights by taking away land and property. Therefore, the works of Bridget Bishop are instrumental in illustrating and analyzing the nature and kind of interactions that existed between the English settlers and the early inhabitants of North America, who were basically the original inhabitants.
Interactions between the English Settlers and other Inhabitants
Due to the fact that the English settlers considered themselves superior to others in North America, thy introduced slavery and forced labor, assault among other ill practices in North America. This resulted in uproars and conflict in the region that could not be settled peacefully due to the discrimination and inequality. Consequently, the crisis led to various bloodbaths, however the natives succumbed to the power of the English setters because of the high level of the modern European technology that they possessed and used against them. The English settler's dominance was paramount as it facilitated the development of colonization and injustices because the natives were not a threat to them.
For instance, in the Bishop Bridget case details of 1692
This was a historical time in the U.S with regards to the interaction between the English settlers and the witches. Bridget Bishop, who was a resident of Salem town during this period was accused and brought to trial for allegedly bewitching five women. Several witnesses testified about the Bishop's witchcraft alleged activities. Some gave testimony that the Bishop was tormenting them, that she committed murder and that she had healing powers however during trial these allegation did not directly prove that she was actually a witch. This is because most of the witnesses lived in Salem village and the evidence relied on during trial was spectral evidence. She became the first witch to be sentenced for witchcraft, which was a capital offence, and therefore the penalty was death. This trial was a leeway to subsequent witch hunt and hanging in Salem as witnesses in 1692, where approximately more than 19 witches were executed. This only stopped after the Salem girls denounced prominent leaders in Massachusetts which prompted the governor to disband the Salem Witch Court, however so many witches has suffered execution and imprisonment during this period. The theory and motivation behind the witch prosecutions by the English settlers was the idea that witchcraft weaken the colonialists' God given power and strength to guard themselves from any attacks from the natives.
Olaudah Equiano's life also reveals the terrible interaction between the English settlers and the Africans in North America
That is attributed with misery, mistreatment, slavery and discrimination. A lieutenant of the Royal Navy purchased him with an intention of gifting him to his friends who lived in London however he used him for his naval endeavors. Equino thought of freedom during this period and hoped that one day it would actualize, however he was sold to an American Captain who subjected him to slavery where he was abused and mistreated with other African. Eventually, he was able to purchase his freedom after proving himself intelligent and capable.
Conclusion
The mutual coexistence that existed between the native communities in North America was cut short by the English settlers who introduced discrimination, slavery and inequality. The minorities such as the witches were executed and the Africans and Indians were subjected to slavery and forced labor and eventually colonization. Olaundah Equiano and Bridget Bishop are a demonstration of the kind of interaction that existed at this time in North America's history. Therefore, it is evident that the history of this interaction between the English settlers and the natives was unfriendly, however it played a key role in shaping America's history today.
Bibliography
Examination of Bridget Bishop, Second Version, Examination of Bridget Bishop, Second Version. 1692.
Olaudah Equiano, “Olaudah Equiano Recalls the Middle Passage,” The Interesting Narrative Life of Olaudah Equiano, 1789. Equiano, pp 70-88
Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Proctor, Alice Parker, Susannah Martin, and Sarah Good, Physical Examination of Bridget Bishop. Physical Examination of Bridget Bishop et al. 1692. No. 1, 2.
Testimony of John Cook v. Bridget Bishop, John Cook v. Bridget Bishop. 2 June 1692.
