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Interaction of the English settlers and the Native Americans

The whites that lived in North America did not interact with the American immigrants such as the Indians and the Africans, who arrived in that land as a result of the existing war during that period. The collision of the societal interaction between the Americans and the immigrants was evident and for such reasons, the English saw the need to take a privilege in oppressing the lives of the other settlers. It is evident that the main picture that was portrayed during the precolonial period consisted of inequality and racial discrimination that the English. Among the inequality actions during this period included slavery, depriving of land, wealth, and death penalties dominated the inhuman actions that happened during that period[1]. Therefore, we cannot deny that the kind of interaction between the English settlers and the Native Americans was not a smooth event since the Africans, Indians, and witches were mistreated and subjected to inhuman acts during that period.

Most of the early English inhabitants viewed the other settlers such as Africans and Indians as inferior thus separated themselves from them. The notion of the sense of superiority in the English settlers resulted in the introduction of forced labour, slavery, and death penalties towards the perceived inferior North American settlers. The poor interaction resulted in the struggle in the coexistence of the societies in the region that could not be settled peacefully due to the discrimination and inequality. Consequently, the crisis led to various bloodbaths and the natives succumbed to the power of the English settlers.

Focusing on the life and actions of Bishop Bridget, who was one of the early English inhabitants in North America, helps in expounding the struggle of coexistence that occurred during that period. Looking at his case details of 1692, the period marked a historical time in the U.S concerning the interaction between the English settlers and the witches[2]. Bridget Bishop, who was a resident of Salem town during this period was accused and brought to trial for allegedly bewitching five women.[3] Several witnesses testified about the Bishop’s witchcraft alleged activities. Some gave testimony that the Bishop was tormenting the witches and that he committed murder to some of them. On the other hand, Bishop defended that the witches had healing powers, which he could not prove during these allegations. The theory and motivation behind the witch prosecutions by the English settlers was the idea that witchcraft weakened the colonialists’ God-given power and strength to guard themselves against any attacks from the natives[4].

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 bestowing him upon his friends who lived in London and in turn, used him for his naval endeavours[5]. 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[6].

In conclusion, it is quite evident that the coexistence between the native communities and the English was based on major struggles and inequality. The actions of Olaudah Equiano and Bridget Bishop are a clear 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 thus playing a key role in shaping America’s history today.