Referat Pocahontas
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Pocahontas
Pocahontas was most likely born in Werawocomoco (what is now Wicomico,
Gloucester County, Virginia) on the north side of the Pamaunkee (York)
River, around the year 1595. Her true name was Matoaka, but that name
was only used within her tribe. Native Americans believed harm would
come to a person if outsiders learned of their tribal name. Pocahontas
was one of many daughters of a powerful chief named Powhatan, who ruled
more than 25 tribes.
Pocahontas first became acquainted with the English colonists who
settled in the Chesapeake Bay area in 1607. Along with her tribe,
Pocahontas watched the colonists build a fort and search for food. The
next year, Powhatan s brother Opechancanough captured colonist John
Smith. Smith was brought to Powhatan, who decided he must die. According
to an account written later by Smith, Pocahontas saved Smith s life by
throwing herself down and cradling his head before he was clubbed to
death.
After promising to supply Powhatan with several guns, Smith was allowed
to return to Jamestown. He did not deliver the guns, but sent many other
presents instead. Over the next year, Pocahontas and other tribal women
visited the fort and brought food to the settlers. However, in 1609,
Smith was forced to return to England after being badly burned in a gun
powder accident. After his departure, relations deteriorated between the
natives and settlers.
Several years later, Pocahontas was taken hostage by the colonists. She
was treated kindly during her captivity and lived in the home of a
minister. During this time, Pocahontas converted to Christianity and was
baptized with the name Rebecca. While being held in Jamestown,
Pocahontas met a distinguished colonist named John Rolfe. The two fell
in love and planned to marry. The marriage was blessed by Virginia
governor Sir Thomas Dale, as well as Chief Powhatan. Although the chief
did not attend the wedding, he sent others in his place and a pearl
necklace for his daughter.
In 1615, Rolfe and Pocahontas had their first and only child, Thomas.
The following year, the family was invited to England, where Pocahontas
became the center of attention of English society. Banquets and dances
were given in her honor, and her portrait was painted by famous artists.
Pocahontas was received with royal honor by the king and queen. While in
England, Pocahontas was also reunited with her friend John Smith, whom
she had believed dead.
Before returning to Virginia, Pocahontas contracted small pox. She died
in England in March, 1617, at the age of 21. Pocahontas was buried in
the chapel of the parish church in Gravesend, England. Rolfe returned to
Virginia, where he developed a popular sweet variety of high-grade
tobacco. Its export provided a way for the colonists to support
themselves. Their son, Thomas, remained in England, where he was
educated. He returned to the colonies at the age of 20 and became an
important member of the community.
Although her life was short, is remembered for contributing to the
maintenance of peace between the colonists and the natives. She remains
an important part of American folk history to this day.
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