An Analysis of Richard Hakluyt's Article Discourse of Western Planting
Overview
This paper analyzes Richard Hakluyt's 1584 work 'Discourse of Western Planting,' examining how the document established English legal claims to North America and outlined economic, religious, and social objectives for colonization. The analysis explores Hakluyt's three major arguments for western expansion: converting Native Americans to Christianity, redirecting trade from Spanish territories to English colonies, and relocating England's unemployed population. The paper contextualizes Hakluyt's life and influence as a geographer and political advocate whose work shaped English colonial ambitions in America.
What this essay covers
- Summary of Discourse of Western Planting - outline of legal claims, religious mission, and economic trade expansion
- Author biography and context - Hakluyt's life (1552-1616), role as geographer, and connection to Walter Raleigh
- Impact and legacy - influence on Queen Elizabeth I, Roanoke Island colony, and later work with Virginia Company
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An Analysis of Richard Hakluyt’s Article “Discourse of Western Planting”
Summary
The “Discourse of Western Planting” (1584) outlines the content that establishes the English legal claims to North America and discusses the region's setting. The work suggests that the discovery is a huge achievement for the gospel of Christ where the King is certain and her Majesty the Queen is a major actor. Hakluyt notes that the proposal is set to influence all the English trades to grow bigger or become dangerous in the territories of the king of Spain. The faith the men hold on her Majesty influences their journey into the sea. They renounce their belief without second thoughts and regretfully obey her Majesty. The content expresses how the western voyage is set to yield all the products from Europe, Africa, and Asia. It explores as far as people will travel and supply the products to the traders far and beyond.
The document implies that the Spaniards have displayed their outrage and cruelties in West Indies. They are everywhere and are becoming the most hurtful to those who would join English and those willing and have initiated the process. The document passes across three major points. First, it expresses the concerns that the English Empire has to reform the native Americans to Christianity. It implies that the empire has to seize from purchasing striking goods from the Spanish territory and begin buying straight from the colonies.