Powhatan – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Who was Powhatan?
answer
A paramount chief named Wahunsunacawh, otherwise known as Powhatan.
question
What did he do?
answer
He created a powerful organization by affiliating 30 tributary peoples.
question
When was he alive?
answer
Powhatan died in 1618, after which hostilities between the English and Indians increased.
question
Where was he?
answer
Their territory was much of eastern Virginia.
question
What was his significance to history?
answer
Powhatan seems to have tried to incorporate the English into his domain. John Smith was captured by Indians in December of 1607 and saved from execution by Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas. However, instead of romantically saving Smith from certain death, it's more likely that she was performing a prescribed role in a standard ritual by which Powhatan could adopt Smith and make him a werowance, or subordinate chieftan.
