Jamestown: England's First Permanent Colony

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Questions and Answers

What action did King James take when he assumed control of the Virginia colony?

He sent royal governors to lead the colony. (correct)

He dissolved the House of Burgesses.

He allowed the Virginia Company to continue governing.

He shifted the capital to Williamsburg.

What was the primary reason for the relocation of the capital from Jamestown to Williamsburg?

To establish a more democratic government.

To distance from the Powhatan attacks.

To find a location with better resources.

Due to the statehouse burning down. (correct)

How did the English approach to governance in Jamestown differ from that of Spain and France?

It was run entirely by appointed officials.

It had no government structure at all.

It was run by a monarchy with absolute power.

It was governed by a group of elected representatives. (correct)

What was one of the goals of both Spain and France in their colonization efforts?

To convert Native Americans to Catholicism. Signup and view all the answers

What system did Spain establish to promote colonization in New Spain?

Encomienda system. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the early relationship between the English settlers and the Powhatan tribe?

It involved a mix of cooperation and conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Spanish rulers to offer large land grants in New Spain?

Need to attract settlers for expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of King James' takeover of the Virginia colony?

Direct royal control undermining local governance. Signup and view all the answers

What year did the Virginia Company establish the colony of Jamestown?

1607 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant reason for the initial failure of Jamestown?

The choice of a swampy location Signup and view all the answers

What was Captain John Smith's famous directive to the colonists?

Those who don't work, don't eat Signup and view all the answers

How did the Virginia Company's supplies impact Jamestown's survival?

The delayed supplies contributed to starvation and hardship Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily populated Jamestown in its early years?

Upper-class individuals seeking treasure Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the first significant changes that occurred in Jamestown with the arrival of the 'Second Supply'?

The arrival of the first two women in the colony Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the gender ratio in Jamestown throughout most of the seventeenth century?

Predominantly male Signup and view all the answers

Which major challenge did Jamestown face shortly after its establishment?

Tension and distrust among the council leaders Signup and view all the answers

What event caused the majority of the Jamestown colonists to die of starvation and disease?

The absence of Captain John Smith Signup and view all the answers

Who was the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy when the colonists arrived?

Wahunsonacock Signup and view all the answers

What was Captain John Smith's strategy for dealing with the Powhatan Indians?

Avoiding conflict whenever possible Signup and view all the answers

What was the economic impact of John Rolfe's introduction of tobacco to the Jamestown colony?

It became a significant cash crop and spurred growth Signup and view all the answers

What consequence followed the death of Chief Powhatan in 1618?

Opechancanough began to wage wars against the colonists Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason the initial settlers considered abandoning Jamestown?

Lack of resources and poor conditions Signup and view all the answers

What primary crop led to the expansion of land and conflicts with the Powhatan tribe?

Tobacco Signup and view all the answers

How did the location of Jamestown affect its interactions with the Powhatan Confederacy?

It was located in Powhatan territory, presenting both challenges and opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What major challenge did the Jamestown colony face during the 'Starving Time'?

Insufficient leadership and reliance on trade Signup and view all the answers

What was the term for the laborers brought from England to work in America under a contract?

Indentured servants Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in 1619 in relation to slavery in the Virginia colony?

First slaves arrived on a Dutch ship Signup and view all the answers

How were the first African individuals brought to Jamestown initially treated?

They were treated as indentured servants. Signup and view all the answers

Why did planters begin to rely on African slaves instead of American Indians?

American Indians had family networks aiding escape. Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the first representative government in the Virginia colony?

House of Burgesses Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the early laws passed by the House of Burgesses?

Settlement of tobacco prices Signup and view all the answers

How many settlements were represented in the House of Burgesses by 1619?

Eleven Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reasons Spanish settlers built ranches and sugar cane plantations?

To generate wealth from gold and silver mines Signup and view all the answers

How did the Spanish colonization impact the population of American Indians?

Most were killed by disease and mistreatment Signup and view all the answers

Who was Bartolome de Las Casas and what did he advocate for?

A missionary advocating for the rights of American Indians Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Spanish missionaries' activities?

They forced native peoples to abandon their own religions Signup and view all the answers

What motivated French settlers to explore Canada initially?

A quest for gold and a route to Asia Signup and view all the answers

What was Samuel de Champlain's strategy in dealing with American Indian groups?

To ally with them for trade benefits Signup and view all the answers

What role did beaver pelts play in French colonization efforts?

They were a crucial trade good that generated income Signup and view all the answers

Why did Spanish missions become strategically important as Spain expanded into California?

They prevented other countries from establishing settlements Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement is associated with Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet during their expedition in 1673?

They claimed land for France along the Mississippi River. Signup and view all the answers

What region did Rene-Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle name after the French king, Louis XIV?

Louisiana Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for establishing forts in the Louisiana Territory?

To protect settlements from Spanish and English threats. Signup and view all the answers

How did the agriculture in Louisiana compare to the rest of New France?

It was easier to farm because of fertile soil. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to La Salle's expedition in 1687?

They got lost and ended up in present-day Texas. Signup and view all the answers

Who became governor of Louisiana at the age of 21?

Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville Signup and view all the answers

Which crop was NOT mentioned as one grown on Louisiana plantations?

Cotton Signup and view all the answers

What effect did successful plantations have on trade with American Indians?

They increased the amount of money generated from trade. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

England's First Permanent Colony

Jamestown, Virginia, established in 1607, was England's first permanent colony in North America.
The Virginia Company, a group of merchants, received a charter from King James I to establish the colony.
Initial location choice was poor, site was swampy, and the water from the James River was salty.
Settlers lacked experience in outdoor work, focused on treasure instead of hard labour.

Jamestown's Challenges

Poor planning and preparation led to hardship.
Starvation and disease were prevalent, with two-thirds of the colonists dying.
Captain John Smith took over as leader, introduced a 'work or starve' policy that helped save the colony.
Continuing support from the Virginia Company provided supplies but also had delays.
Settlers arrived at the colony with little practical knowledge for the tasks involved in its establishment.

Jamestown Leadership

First seven men on the colony's council lacked cooperation and trust in one another.
Captain John Smith's firm leadership and focus on necessary work was key to the colony's survival.
The Virginia Company continued support despite early struggles, sending ships with supplies.

Arrival of Women

The "First Supply" in January 1608 brought 100 new settlers.
The "Second Supply," arrived in October 1608, included 70 new settlers and the first two women, Martha Forest and Anne Burras.
Gender imbalance negatively impacted the community, and the ratio remained skewed throughout the 17th century.

Relations with Powhatan

Jamestown was located within Powhatan territory, a union of about 30 tribes, led by Chief Powhatan.
Captain John Smith prioritized avoiding conflict with the Powhatan to secure resources and food.
Trade and mutual respect were initially maintained, but the increasing size of Jamestown and its increasing needs eventually caused conflict.

Tobacco and the Economy

Tobacco was introduced to the colony by John Rolfe (c1612) and became a crucial cash crop, driving population growth and wealth.
Tobacco's popularity led to a demand for more land, resulting in conflicts with the Powhatan.
Indentured servitude and later, the transatlantic slave trade, provided labour to cultivate the ever-growing tobacco demand.

Early Government and the House of Burgesses

The House of Burgesses, a representative body for settling disputes, was established in 1619, marking the first representative government in North America.
The House of Burgesses remained a key part of Virginia Colony governance despite the Virginia Company eventually losing its control.

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Description

Explore the establishment of Jamestown, Virginia, as England's first permanent colony in North America. This quiz covers the challenges faced by the settlers, including starvation and disease, as well as the leadership of Captain John Smith. Test your knowledge on the early days of this significant historical event.