John Smith

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John Smith and the American Identity
John Smith’s “The General History of Virginia” delves into the tales of Captain John Smith and his escapades in Virginia, U.S. during the 17th century. There is a historical debate about Smith being the first American. Expectedly, however, numerous critics do not endorse this assertion claiming that Smith is not fit to be described as the first American. The definition of “American” is relative and, therefore, each individual understands it from varied perspectives. Captain John Smith is indeed the first American as most of his characteristics are in-line with the different definitions of “American.”
Fore mostly, there is a salient understanding that John Smith was affiliated with the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. The U.S., through Virginia was; in fact, created through Jamestown, showing clearly that the settlement necessitated the emergence of America. From “The General History of Virginia,” it is realized that Smith led to the establishment of Jamestown; proving that he is the first American. The reading says, “Smith was a leading member of the English company that had established the colony of Jamestown, in what is now Virginia,” and this shows that there would be no Jamestown without Smith’s presence (Smith 111). Additionally, Smith is also described as having certain characteristics and qualities that endorse his position as the first American. The reading is a portrayal that Smith is the first American as he struggles to fight for the Americans and their experiences.

It says, “While fighting the Ottomans in Hungary, Smith earned promotion to the captain’s rank that became an enduring part of his public persona” (Smith 111). From this, there is a realization that Smith fought for his people and also ensured that as the first America; he gives other nations a good impression of America and its people.
Again, Smith‘s identity as an American should be enough reason to conclude that he is the first American. During the 17th century, there was no proper definition regarding the “American identity” and Smith worked toward ‘demolishing’ this confusion. The text affirms this by saying, “Smith was one of the many planters whose involvement in the colonization of the Americas was colored by experience in these often brutal conflicts.” Smith’s involvement in battles to fight for America was a constant reassurance that his Americanism was more prevalent than it was delineated (Smith 111). He evidently upheld America believing that it is the land of opportunity for both the immigrants and locals. Understandably, “The most lasting and influential contribution of his writings was a vision of England’s colonies as places where people of all economic backgrounds could support themselves as small farmers…,” represents Smith’s notion and endorsement of America as a place to achieve some form(s) of prosperity in the guise of The American Dream (Smith 112).
Delving further into The American Dream, renowned poets such as Stephen Vincent Benét reiterate Smith’s influence in the same. If it were not for his discovery of America’s opportunities, people would not relocate to the U.S. for achievement of the same. Smith shares particular characteristics with the immigrants to America who achieve The American Dream despite having non-American qualities. In Smith’s case, he remains American from the perspective of Nurture; and also acquires the title of first American due to his instigation of The American Dream, in this scenario. From the statement, “The colonists who survived rampant illness, famine, warfare, and other mishaps increasingly came to value Smith’s leadership…,” the readers realize that Smith may have been a human representation of the U.S (Smith 112). It is symbolical and shows that the hardships of people without America would immediately be solved once they thrived within the same. As he represents America, his position as first American works toward portraying the foremost exposure of The American Dream to the other citizens. The text says, “Smith’s New England works have a strong ideological caste, in that they focus more on the idea of America and less on the many challenges of establishing plantations there…,” acknowledging that America, just like Smith, would relieve the individuals of their burdens (Smith 112).
Despite critics, it is indeed evident that John Smith qualifies as the first American. Most of the relative definition of “America” and “American” worked in favor of this inference as Smith’s persona, qualities and characteristics are classified in each one of them, uniquely. He created the U.S. right from the settlement in Jamestown before revealing his affiliation with The American Dream and American identity. Smith was not American by birth but he managed to capture American poets such as Stephen Vincent Benét that did not doubt his Americanism. Again, the idea(s) that Smith is a symbol of the U.S. was feasible enough as he salvaged the Americans from despair and lack of prosperity. Obviously, America plays the same role to the immigrants that relocate there for acquisition of a better livelihood. “The General History of Virginia” shows that Smith was American and had a significant place in America even just from his numerous works.
Works Cited
Smith, John. The General History of Virginia. 1580-1631, The Norton Anthology of American Literature.