John Smith's Role in the Virginia Colonies
...r and not a leader. Smith was able to gain his position within the Virginia colony due to his own strength of will. He knew to achieve his desired station he would have to become the most experienced, battle worthy and renowned. He acquired this by signing up for anything that would give him these experiences and education. He studied at what he called “that university of war” in the Netherlands; he joined the Dutch in the war against the Spanish; and enlisted with the Roman Catholic Church against the Turks. He was convinced this would make him a gentleman. Smith’s naturally quick wit and his natural leadership abilities granted him his closest grasp on his desired social status. Smith’s abilities enabled him to talk his way out of potentially deadly situations and allowed him to hold the Virginia colony intact through a very probable failure. The colony council respected his abilities and appointed him president. Smith’s credentials as a gentleman were weak at best, and he had little standing within the aristocratic council. His outspoken nature and ambitious desires did not blend well with the status quo of English society. Smith, during the voyage to Virginia, brought forward this outspoken nature, offended one or more of the aristocratic comma...