Mr. Dowling
The First English Colonies
To what extent was initial English colonization successful?
Spain gained a large amount of riches from its American colonies. Many English people believed that England should settle in the Americas as well.
1585-Sir Walter Raleigh raises money to begin a colony
The colonists landed in Roanoke (An island off the coast of North Carolina).
Problems: low food supply
problems with Native Americans
Result: The colonists ended up sailing back home
1587-John White goes back to Roanoke with a new group. Again, supplies run low.
White returned home leaving behind 117 colonists. He planned to return shortly.
War with spain--->White returns 3 years later to find that the settlement is completely abandoned.
The only thing found is CROATOAN carved into a tree in the abandoned village.
The lost colony remains a mystery.
What was the first permanent English colony in America?
Jamestown-1607
The Virginia Company of London financed the settlement in America.
joint stock company-a company backed by people who put money into a project to earn profits. (less risk if the project is unsuccessful)
THe Virginia Company was given the right to establish a colony in the New World.
PROBLEMS
1. people get sick (malaria)
2. incorrectly believed that the colony had gold
3. government-13 men were chosen to rule the settlement-did very little to plan for the colony's future
What helped Jamestown grow?
1608-John Smith takes control-strict rules (If you don't work, you don't eat)
Makes an agreement with Native Americans (Powhatan) to supply corn to the English.
1612-John Rolfe introduces tobacco
indentured servants-men and women sold into labor to the person who paid for their passage. After several years they would be free.
Relationship between colonists and Powhatan grows worse over time.