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?

    <p>To convert Native Americans to Catholicism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Encomienda system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It involved a mix of cooperation and conflict. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Need to attract settlers for expansion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Direct royal control undermining local governance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>1607 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The choice of a swampy location (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Those who don't work, don't eat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The delayed supplies contributed to starvation and hardship (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group primarily populated Jamestown in its early years?

    <p>Upper-class individuals seeking treasure (C)</p> 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'?

    <p>The arrival of the first two women in the colony (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Predominantly male (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which major challenge did Jamestown face shortly after its establishment?

    <p>Tension and distrust among the council leaders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The absence of Captain John Smith (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Wahunsonacock (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Avoiding conflict whenever possible (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It became a significant cash crop and spurred growth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What consequence followed the death of Chief Powhatan in 1618?

    <p>Opechancanough began to wage wars against the colonists (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Lack of resources and poor conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Tobacco (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It was located in Powhatan territory, presenting both challenges and opportunities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Insufficient leadership and reliance on trade (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Indentured servants (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>First slaves arrived on a Dutch ship (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They were treated as indentured servants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>American Indians had family networks aiding escape. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>House of Burgesses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Settlement of tobacco prices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Eleven (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To generate wealth from gold and silver mines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Most were killed by disease and mistreatment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>A missionary advocating for the rights of American Indians (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They forced native peoples to abandon their own religions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivated French settlers to explore Canada initially?

    <p>A quest for gold and a route to Asia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To ally with them for trade benefits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did beaver pelts play in French colonization efforts?

    <p>They were a crucial trade good that generated income (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They prevented other countries from establishing settlements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They claimed land for France along the Mississippi River. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Louisiana (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To protect settlements from Spanish and English threats. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It was easier to farm because of fertile soil. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to La Salle's expedition in 1687?

    <p>They got lost and ended up in present-day Texas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who became governor of Louisiana at the age of 21?

    <p>Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Cotton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They increased the amount of money generated from trade. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Jamestown Colony

    England's first permanent colony in North America, established in 1606.

    Virginia Company

    A group of English merchants who received a charter from King James I to establish Jamestown.

    Poorly Chosen Location

    Jamestown's location was swampy, with salty, unsafe water; a location, that proved unsuitable.

    Captain John Smith

    Leader who saved Jamestown by enforcing hard work, leading to a healthier colony during its troubled period.

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    "Those Who Don't Work, Don't Eat"

    John Smith's famous policy to ensure that everyone in Jamestown worked hard to survive.

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    Early Jamestown Challenges

    Challenges included poor planning, unsuitable location, lack of necessary skills amongst the colonists, and internal conflicts.

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    Initial Settlers Profile

    Many colonists were from the upper class, seeking treasure and not prepared for manual labor or to stay permanently.

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    First Two Women

    Martha Forest and Anne Burras were the first women in Jamestown, arriving in the "Second Supply" of 1608.

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    Tobacco's Impact

    Tobacco's demand led to constant expansion, conflicts with Native Americans, and increased reliance on labor.

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    Indentured Servants

    English laborers who worked for a set period to repay their travel costs to America.

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    Slavery's Roots

    The need for more labor led to the introduction of African slaves in Jamestown, establishing the foundation for slavery in North America.

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    First African Slaves

    In 1619, twenty African slaves were exchanged for food, marking the beginning of slavery in Jamestown.

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    Early Slave Treatment

    Early African slaves may have been treated more like indentured servants, with some gaining freedom after working a certain period.

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    Enslaving American Indians

    Unsuccessful attempts to enslave Native Americans due to their knowledge of the land and strong community connections.

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    House of Burgesses

    The first representative government in America, established in 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia.

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    Burgesses' First Law

    One of the House of Burgesses' first actions was to regulate the price of tobacco, reflecting its importance to the colony's economy.

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    Spanish Missions

    Settlements established by Spanish missionaries in the Americas to convert Native people to Catholicism, often forcing them to work and abandon their own religion.

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    Missionary

    A person who teaches his or her religious beliefs to people with different beliefs.

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    New Spain's Wealth

    The Spanish Empire's wealth in New Spain derived largely from gold and silver mines, as well as ranches and sugar cane plantations.

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    Why the Spanish Brought Slaves

    The Spanish brought slaves from Africa to New Spain to replace the shrinking workforce caused by disease, mistreatment, and death of indigenous laborers in mines and plantations.

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    French Trappers and Traders

    French settlers in North America were primarily interested in acquiring furs, especially beaver pelts, which were highly valued in Europe.

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    French Strategy in North America

    Unlike the Spanish conquistadors, Samuel de Champlain, the first governor of New France, prioritized building friendly relationships with Native Americans to facilitate trade and ensure safe settlements.

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    Champlain's Goal

    Samuel de Champlain aimed to secure alliances with Native American groups to ensure safe and profitable trade in New France.

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    Beaver Fur's Importance

    Beaver pelts were essential to the French economy in North America as they generated revenue through trade, funding further expeditions and helping to stabilize the colony.

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    Marquette and Jolliet

    French explorers who, in 1673, traveled down the Mississippi River, claiming the land drained by it for France.

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    La Salle & Louisiana

    Rene-Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle led an expedition down the Mississippi River in 1682, claiming it and its tributaries for France. He named the region 'Louisiana' after King Louis XIV.

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    Fort La Boulaye

    A fort built by Pierre Le Moyne Sieur D'Iberville at the mouth of the Mississippi River, strategically located just south of the future site of New Orleans.

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    Bienville's Role

    Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, Iberville's brother, continued his work after his death. He became governor of Louisiana and founded New Orleans in 1718.

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    Louisiana Territory's Advantage

    The Louisiana Territory was fertile and suitable for farming, allowing settlers to build profitable plantations and grow crops like indigo, rice, and tobacco.

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    Plantations' Economic Impact

    Successful plantations in Louisiana generated significant wealth through trade with American Indians, allowing farmers to expand their land holdings.

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    Strategic Location

    French colonists built forts in key locations to protect settlements from the Spanish and English, establishing their presence in Louisiana.

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    Northwest Passage

    The main motivation for French explorers to explore North America was to find a passage to the Pacific Ocean, which would allow them to trade efficiently with Asia.

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    King James I's Role

    King James I took control of the Virginia colony from the Virginia Company due to its financial struggles and the Powhatan attacks. He sent royal governors to represent him and oversee the colony.

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    House of Burgesses' Fate

    Despite the King's control, the House of Burgesses continued to meet annually. Although they no longer held full power, they valued discussing issues and presenting a unified front to the royal government.

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    Jamestown's Downfall

    Jamestown served as the capital of the Virginia colony until a fire destroyed the statehouse in 1699. By that time, many colonists had moved to other settlements, leading to the decision to relocate the capital.

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    Spanish Colonial Approach

    Spain's approach to colonization focused on wealth acquisition, expansion, and converting indigenous people to Catholicism. It appointed governors who reported to the king and queen in Europe.

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    English Colonial Approach

    England's initial approach to Jamestown was governed by elected representatives, meaning the colonists had more autonomy than those in Spanish and French colonies.

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    Encomiendas

    Land grants offered by Spanish rulers to encourage expansion in New Spain. They included any indigenous villages on the land, and the natives were forced to work for the owner in exchange for basic necessities.

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    Spanish Colonization's Influence

    Spain aimed to prevent other European powers from claiming land in the Americas, thus aggressively expanding their territories. They were keen on converting native people to Catholicism and using the resources for their own benefit.

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    Comparison: Spanish vs. English

    While the English colonial experience in Jamestown involved some initial cooperation with the Powhatan, the Spanish relationship with indigenous populations was based on conquest and exploitation.

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    Starving Time

    A period of severe famine and hardship in Jamestown (1609) due to lack of food and leadership, leading to the death of most colonists.

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    Powhatan Confederacy

    A powerful alliance of about 30 Native American tribes in Virginia, led by Chief Powhatan, with thousands of warriors.

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    John Smith's Strategy

    Avoiding conflict with the Powhatan, prioritizing trade and peaceful relations to ensure the survival of Jamestown.

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    Chief Powhatan's Impact

    He was a powerful leader who ruled over numerous tribes, influencing the start of Jamestown and its initial relationship with the natives.

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    John Rolfe's Contribution

    He introduced tobacco to Jamestown, transforming its economy and leading to its future success.

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    Opechancanough's Conflict

    He was an angered successor of Chief Powhatan who led wars against Jamestown due to its expansion into native lands.

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    Tobacco as a Cash Crop

    Virginia's climate proved ideal for growing tobacco, which became a valuable commodity, leading to the colony's economic growth.

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    Legacy of Jamestown

    It became the first permanent English colony in North America, laying the foundation for the future growth of British settlements.

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    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.

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