Chapter 2 New World Experiments

What defines a colonist of the New World Escaping religious persecution Search for a better life A better life for your family Young with no attachments seeking adventure Looking for financial profit. Searching for New opportunities

England during the period Crowded (population expanded from 3.5 million to 5 million) Lack of food High prices “Beware the walking poor” claim the rich

England’s hope in the New World When Elizabeth came to the throne there was a strong wish to build colonies but there was one main problem. They needed money. The Solution? Joint Stock Company Joint Stock Company: A business organization in which scores of people could invest without fear of bankruptcy.

England’s first Colony 1606 James issues the first Virginia Charter The Goal was to establish plantations in Virginia the Susan Constant and GodSpeed set sail. Who made up the crew? 104 men and boys

Jamestown was successful in……? Without consulting residents colony leaders selected a location thirty miles south of the James river. The low lying ground water was disease ridden. The colonists working in James town were to adjusted to a full days work. While some tirelessly farmed others simply sat around. Other men instead of assisting in the work sought out their own interests. During this time starvation was always an issue.

Enter John Smith Not that one This one

What is the Big deal about John Smith? Fought with Hungarians against the Turks. Instituted a tough military system to the village. No one had any sort of special privilege Began trade with Natives for food. Mapped the Chesapeake Bay area. This leads to a redrawing of the charter where decisions rested on the company. Eventually the colony would fall upon poor leadership food became problem and a harsh winter would lead to cannibalism

The one good thing about Virginia Though Jamestown had hit hard times they still had a way of paying investors. Tobacco had the potential of being a money making crop Once John Rolfe arrived the idea of it become an important export came to mind.

The Pilgrims