Colonial America: Founding the Dream

1757 Words4 Pages

No one knew that a new land existed and the magnitude in which it would shape and influence the world. This new land soon known to many as America became the main theatre of the 16th and 17th centuries also known as the colonial period in which the European continent stretched out its borders which began an unprecedented age of exploration which held unlimited possibilities. The discovery of the New World also led to the discovery of the American Dream which became defined by the colonial Americans and generations to come as a second chance for economic opportunity and religious freedom.

The first colonists to arrive in America established Jamestown, Virginia and sought new economic opportunities away from Europe. After the Spanish discovered the West Indies and the rich mines they held, young English men also sought these riches on the North American mainland (Byrd 131). Unfortunately, gold was not to be found and the desire to survive finally became the top priority. Under the leadership of John Smith, the starving colonists were forced to get their hands dirty and farm the land to maintain their hold in the New World and well as maintain friendly relations among the American Indians (Byrd 133). This new economic opportunity represents and defines the American dream in the New World as one in search of a better, fuller life. In many ways the American Dream was also defined as a means of escape during the journey from the Old World to the New. Third and fourth sons of prominent families in the British Empire were often left out of the family inheritance and decided to create their own wealth elsewhere.

The Protestant Reformation in Europe led by Martin Luther created Protestant sects that were eventually brought to ...

... middle of paper ...

...iding Line.” Elements of Literature: Fifth Course. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2008. 131-135. Print.

“The Colonial Period.” American History From Revolution to Reconstruction and Beyond. University of Groningen, n.d. Web. 22 April 2014.

Cullen, Jim. The American Dream: A Short History of an Idea That Shaped a Nation. New York: Oxford, 2003. Print.

“Early Colonial Era.” The History Place. The History Place, n.d. Web. 22 April 2014.

Edwards, Jonathan. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Elements of Literature: Fifth Course. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2008. 46-50. Print.

Eliot, John. “Puritan Missions To The Indians.” Puritan Missions To The Indians (2009): 1. Middle Search Plus. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.

“People & Ideas: The Puritans.” PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 23 April 2014.

“The Reformation.” History.com. A&E Networks, 2009. Web. 1 May 2014.

Open Document