Roanoke The Abandoned Colony

Early Colonist Leader Sir Walter Raleigh – born 1554 Raised in a poor family Defender of Protestantism Promoter of Colonization in America 1584 - Sends 1st Expedition to N.C. Outer Banks Purpose? Scope out land Returned after one year

Funding Explorations Fostered by Private Enterprise Government would not assist funding Joint-stock companies – two or more merchants companies join together to fund a voyage and they sell shares to investors (those who plan to profit in return) to raise money for colonization

Another Reason to Invest Privateer – Legal pirate, focused on Spanish ships Funded by joint stock companies Why Spanish Ships? Transporting goods between Spain and Caribbean colonies and they’re Catholic Establishing a colony in N.C. will act as a Privateer base

Roanoke Colony 4/9/1585 – Five major ships left for N.C. Only men sent to build settlement Return to England by 1586 Many problems faced by colonists Harsh winter, Indian conflicts, lack of goods John White and Thomas Hariot Provide invaluable data of land, plants, animals, maps, and drawings.

2nd Failed Attempt Raleigh organizes second mission -1587 John White – leader of colony Women and children came along Colony faces similar problems John White returns to England for supplies Spanish Armada begins in 1588 All English ships used for war White can’t return until 1590 and no supplies can be sent No supplies can be sent to Roanoke

Significance of Roanoke First English attempt for an American colony Many lessons can be learned from this failed attempt Sparks interest for further investments

Review Questions What is a privateer and why did this pertain to Roanoke? What is a joint stock company? What was the goal of Sir Walter Raleigh’s first expedition to Roanoke in 1584? Describe and list as many reasons possible that caused the failure of the Roanoke Colony?