The American Colonies Emerge Chapter 2 Key Questions

The American Colonies Emerge Chapter 2

Key Questions • •

England • By early 1600 s –( ) • Growing population – • Large number of poor and landless people – Economic opportunities in the Americas were attractive –

Charters • – – Joint-stock companies • – – Direct authority and rule of king’s government • – Authority of individuals granted charters by king • – supposed to rule “by and with the consent of the freemen” a colonial legislature

Chesapeake Tobacco Coast • Tales of rich soil, friendly Indians, and mineral wealth • total people (91 men) was created with 117 • Relatively good initial relations with Indians worsened – Settlers attempted to intimidate with their superior technology, but they were severely outnumbered – “lost” when in 1591 relief arrived

Jamestown • • Virginia Charter ( – Granted by James I – • Virginia Company • Goals – )

Virginia Charter (1606) • Set up two companies § §

Jamestown cont… • Early problems –“ ” – Native Americans • Turn-around – • “He who will not work shall not eat” – ( taught by Pocahontas) “colony built on smoke” – Brought financial prosperity • Plantation system emerged – Tobacco required large labor force » Indentured servants » Slavery after , but by 1650 only about 400 African slaves in VA, and not all permanently held in servitude

Thessalonians 3 Warning Against Idleness In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. For yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat. " We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

Jamestown • , – 1 st colonial parliament in the British-American colonies – • Most were substantial property owners • Attracted more settlers – liberty – one of the reasons it was created • Charter Revoked 1624 – King believed assembly too seditious – Loathed tobacco – VA Company was in debt due to poor economic decisions – Became a royal colony under his direct control

General Characteristics of Southern Colonies • and rice (later cotton) – tobacco • – Mostly indentured servants until late 17 th century (VA and MD), then increasingly black slavery • (exceptions NC and some of GA) – aristocratic • – Churches and schools were rare, too expensive • – Needed fresh land to replace depleted soil due to tobacco farming • – Anglican Church was dominant

Chesapeake Colonies cont. • Labor shortages – Unhealthy climate and high death rate • Disease • Indian raids – Solutions • • – By 1700 planters brought in almost 100, 000 indentured servants, or 75% of all European immigrants to VA and MD •

Virginia • Late 1660’s tobacco prices dropped due to overproduction led to economic problems • VA’s House of Burgesses attempted to raise tobacco prices London merchants retaliated by raising the prices on their exports to VA • ( ) – Sharp class difference between wealthy planters and landless farmers – Colonial resistance to royal control