Colonial America, Along came the British

Protestant Reformation Queen Elizabeth I, takes throne, rivalry with Catholic Spain take off Ireland is the playing field for the rivalry. English see the Irish as “savage” natives

Roanoke Island Sir Walter Raleigh Colony is a HUGE failure, especially juxtaposed to Spain’s successes. Spain now overconfident wants to attack

1588 The powerhouse Spanish Armada fails to invade England. Marks the beginning of the end of Spanish domination

The Foundations of an Empire England –Established itself as #1 sea power in world –Huge surges in nationalism –A measure of religious unity

The Foundations of an Empire Late 1500’s- Econ depression hits wool industry- Primogeniture laws- oldest son inherits the land. Forces ambitious people to find fortunes else where. Early solo attempts by singular enterprises are futile

Economic Strength in Numbers Formation of Joint Stock Companies- allows investors to pool their money together

Virginia Company of London Receives charter from King James I. Charter- guarantees the settlers the same ENGLISH rights that they had at home. JSC- only interested in profits- companies are not meant to be long term- get rich quick No intention of settling If there is no money, sell the company, and forget about the settlers.

Virginia Company of London 1 st landing- Natives attack them Going north, the settlers found the James River Jamestown is established is the first ENGLISH colony in North America The Pros and Cons

Jamestown Location- no Native settlements in area. This is because –1.Poor water supplies –2. Malaria ridden

Jamestown Large population of gentlemen Gents- don’t work Gents- look for gold that isn’t there. Main concern is get rich fast

John Smith Not a gentleman Many among the voyage disdain him Had voted to execute them upon landing in Jamestown But- opened box, company leaders had selected him as a leader of the colony

John Smith captured by chief Powhatan Mock execution Pocahontas “saves” him Native perspective- ceremony symbolizes that English acknowledge the Powhatan tribe’s power, and work with them.

He who shall not work, shall not eat Smith takes over, brings discipline and militaristic approach to colony. Methods of diplomacy with Natives- accept our trade conditions or we will attempt to take it. Starving time- Winter % mortality rate Why- Powhatan tribe, surrounds village, won’t allow the English to trade with others. 60 colonists remain

1610 New governor arrives with new shipment of supplies and people Lord De La Warr More militaristic approach to colony and Natives.

1 st Anglo Powhatan War LDLW- total war to Natives Burns food supplies and villages Marriage of John Rolfe and Pocahontas seals “peace”

2 nd Anglo Powhatan War Native attacks force Virginia into a war without peace. Ends any chances of the two groups assimilating Begin policy of removing Natives from ceremonial lands English consider the Powhatans extinct.

Native and Settler Relationships Horses- allow plains Indians to thrive Coastal tribes pushed inland, these tribes grow in strength Interior tribes strength forces colonists traveling into the frontier to go “Native” New economy- barter and trade

Native and Settler Relationships Part of the economy, but English have all the control Dependency on new technologies destroys culture Disease kills most tribal elders, who maintain tribal histories and cultures Guns pit tribes against one another over best hunting grounds

Tobacco John Rolfe steals seeds from West Indies Perfects cultivation, tobacco BOOMS –1.Extremely rough on soil –2.Forces colonists to want even more land –3.Profits, encourage even more planting. –4. More planting requires laborers. –5. Foundation of American Plantation system is set.