The Influence Of The Colonial Period In American Literature

The Colonial Period

The colonial period in American Literature was a time spanning from European settlements from the very beginning of the colonization of America to the transition or change into the United States of America. Where they created new and innovative ideas and thoughts that set them apart, especially in their writings. What was the goal of this all? People that wanted to colonize America came from many European places, they came prepared with a highly developed military, navy, government, and innovation ability. Europeans traveled to America to increase their money, power, and overall influence in international deals.
The very first colony in America was Jamestown, Virginia. It was originally founded in 1607 by people coming to this new world to try and escape all of the harsh religious oppression and victimization of trying to practice religions outside of Great Britain’s own beliefs. Shortly after they arrived they were under severe conditions and were dying away as they had no good sources of food and were

struggling to survive, however shortly thereafter the colonists were able to thrive and grow with the help from local Native Americans. The new grains that they learned how to grow and take care of, kept them away from starvation in Massachusetts. In Virginia the people there were thriving on tobacco as it proved to be a cash crop.
Sometime between the mid 1620’s and 30’s, a larger number of people immigrated from England to New England. Their goals for coming to this new world were not for an easier life, money, or personal pleasure, but rather to rid themselves of the Church of England and made their own religious principles. These people were called Puritans, as their goal was to purify the Church of England and start having their own beliefs. Practicing their own religion in England would very likely result in extreme torture and mutilation of their bodies. By the mid 1700’s almost two million people had moved to and worked in the 13 colonies. At this time there was a growing number of African Americans being transported over to America as slaves. They began to make up a bigger and bigger number or percentage of the population.
Where did American Literature come from? It did not start out independently as its own thing or piece of literature. England had made and given books, views and thoughts, and the English Language on the very earliest travelers and settlers to come here. They had established literature a while before the first group of people set out to come to America. A few examples would be Shakespeare, Francis Bacon, Robert Greene, and Christopher Marlowe. Colonists began writing their own and eventually somewhat surpassed that of English literature as at the time before that the English writings were far superior. The best features that English critics said had power over that of English writing was its democratic elements, and it carried a message with it that could only be found in this new changed environment that they lived in and the problems facing them and ideas that come to mind living in this new place.
In conclusion, the Colonial Period in American history and literature was by far the biggest turning point into the country as it is today.

Without everything that happened during this time period we very well may not be living in the United States but rather a country under the control of England. The colonial period contained some of the best and most inspirational authors that still affect us today. The original goal of England to come here to grow in power, government, military, and overall world influence quickly changed and their plans fell through. The main reason for coming here for many individuals was for the freedom to practice religion and get away from the beliefs that were forced upon them in England. It was a way to free themselves and be able to do whatever they wanted. In the end of the subject, the Colonial Period was a turning point in our history and Literature that has changed our country

forever.