Question

"For the natives, they are near all dead of smallpox, so as the Lord hathe [has] cleared our title to what we possess." —John Winthrop, first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony "[Thank God for sending] smallpox, etc. to lessen their numbers: so that the English, in comparison with the Spaniard, have but little Indian blood to answer for." —John Archdale, governor of South Carolina, 1695–1696 What do these quotations tell you about English attitudes toward American Indians?

Answer 1

This passage expresses some of the negative attitudes that English settlers had towards American Indians.

First, the quotes serve to highlight the fact that colonists did not feel particularly bad for the deaths of the natives, as they show no empathy towards them. They were most likely indifferent to the loss of culture and the disruption of family life that this caused as well.

Moreover, it shows that they knew the reasons why the Indians were dying (smallpox), but had no interest in taking any measures to prevent it.

Third, they show a sense of entitlement over the lands of the indigenous people. As most of them have died, and the population cannot defend itself, they have no problem in taking their land forcefully.

Finally, by comparing themselves to the Spanish, they also show awareness of the destruction and chaos that colonial powers have created in other places, and are thankful that they did not have to engage in a difficult war with the Native Americans.

Answer 2

Answer:

The quotations show that the English did not see the spread of smallpox as a bad development. On the contrary, they were delighted by this turn of events. The English military in the Americas, in fact, helped spread the disease. Some English commanders urged their troops to try to spread smallpox by giving infected blankets to the Indians. Because smallpox and other diseases wiped out millions, the English were able to capture territories once controlled by American Indians.

Explanation: