THE ENGLISH COLONIES OF NORTH AMERICA JAMESTOWN Jamestown

THE ENGLISH COLONIES OF NORTH AMERICA: JAMESTOWN

Jamestown: England’s First Colony • In 1606, King James I of England granted a charter, or official permit, to the Virginia Company. • In 1607, England’s first colony reached the coast of North America, and was named Jamestown in honor of King James I of England.

The “Starving Time” • The first year is known as the Starving Time by the settlers. • Nearly all of the colonists died of hunger and disease in the first year. • By the winter of 1607 only 38 colonists remained.

Jamestown Revived • The dying colony of Jamestown was revived by growing tobacco to meet the high demand in England. • How did Jamestown meet the need for labor? • From “America, The Story of US”http: //www. youtube. c om/watch? v=vp. A 5 O 46 Io yk

Laborers in Jamestown • To meet the need for labor, two systems were instituted: the headright system and indentured servitude • African Laborers also worked in Virginia, as indentured servants in the beginning and then as slaves shortly after.

The Headright System • The Headright System – each new arrival received 50 acres of land 50 acres for each family member who migrated.

Indentured Servitude • Indentured Servants – In echange for passage to North America, and food and shelter upon arrival, an indentured servant agreed to a term limit of servitude, usually 47 years.

Clashes with Native Americans at Jamestown • As the Jamestown Colony expanded, colonists engaged in warfare with the Native Americans of Virginia. • Nathaniel Bacon, a frontiersmen, was very hostile to Native Americans. • This led to Bacon’s Rebellion.

The House of Burgesses • The first representative body in America. • It first met in 1619. • It included two citizens, or burgesses, from each of Virginia’s 11 districts. • It initiated taxes and passed laws. • The English governor could veto anything it passed.