Relationship Between European Settlers And Native Americans

As the Europeans travelled across the Atlantic and into the new world, they encountered different cultures, such as the Natives and the Africans. Between the colonists and the two cultures, the possibility of new communities forming was emerging, with factors that were economical, spiritual, and cultural. Initially, the creation of new and inclusive communities between the Europeans and the indigenous peoples or the Africans was possible due to the promising economic potential regarding trade and labor. However, because of a shift in colonial ideals that began to emphasize wealth through land and labor, and exclusion, both intellectually and spiritually, the formation of such communities became impossible.
At first, due to the strong economic possibilities, the creation of new communities between the colonists and indigenous peoples or Africans was possible. As the Europeans and the Natives began to encounter each other, they established an economic relationship that was mutually beneficial. As noted by Daniel Richter, “the forces of economic change unleashed by European colonization interacted with Native American practices to produce a

The once strong relationship between the Europeans and Natives was further damaged due to how the colonists excluded themselves from the indigenous peoples. As seen on the Massachusetts Bay Seal, a Native is nearly nude with his arms open, saying, “come over and help us” (Massachusetts Bay Colony). The Massachusetts Bay Seal is reflective of the literal advantage the colonists had over the Natives. The inability to read or write was, in the eyes’ of the colonists, the true sign of a beast or savage. Because of their ability to read and write, the colonists took control of the media, using their literacy to differentiate themselves from the indigenous