Question: Popular history has imbued King James and John Smith with larger than life status for their roles establishing a wilderness settlement in Virginia. In this discussion, we will look more critically at one of them.
In preparation for this discussion watch the film Secrets of Jamestown.
Discuss some of the difficulties encountered by the early Jamestown colony and how they could have been avoided. How much of the difficulty was lack of preparation and how much was unfortunate, unforeseen circumstances?
Even in his own time, John Smith was a controversial figure. Next, discuss with two of your classmates whether or not you think he was the right man for the job. Would you have hired him? Use specific examples from your readings and the film to support your position.
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