Colonial Comparison Jamestown 1607

Who? Why? English colonists Sponsored by Virginia Company Wanted profitable colony

Leaders Captain John Smith John Rolfe

Problems swamps, mosquitoes harsh climate slow to work “starving time”

Successes J. Smith makes colonists work J. Smith established trade with Powhatan tribe Powhatans teach planting, fishing, hunting

Problems colonists stealing food, taking land trade with Powhatans broke down

Successes J. Rolfe married Pocahontas; temporary peace developed high-grade tobacco Tobacco grew well, became popular in England

Problems colonists take more land for tobacco 1622 Powhatans attack, kill hundreds of colonists 1676 Bacon’s Rebellion Bacon led landless frontier farmers Wanted government to help fight native Americans to get more land

Plymouth Colony 1620

Who? Why? Pilgrims Sponsored by Virginia Company Fled religious persecution in England by moving to Holland Unhappy with cultural differences there

Leader William Bradford

Hardships and Problems: Starving time Winter weather Disease half colonists dead by spring Stole food from native Americans

Successes: Landed outside Virginia, so wrote Mayflower Compact Took responsibility for organizing themselves Agreed upon general rules

Successes: Native Americans, Samoset and Squanto: taught Pilgrims how to grow food Helped make peace with local Chief Massasoit Trade with Native Americans First Thanksgiving: temporary peace [Notice menu, p. 94!]

Problems: Increasing conflict with Native Americans over land

Massachusetts Bay Colony 1630

Who? Why? Puritans from England Sponsored by Massachusetts Bay Company Escaping bad treatment for trying to purify Church of England

Leader John Winthrop: “For we must consider that we shall be as a City upon a Hill, the eyes of all people are on us.”

Successes: Large, well-prepared group No “starving time” Goal: set example for others “as a City upon a Hill…” Well-organized community centered on church practices New England Way: work hard, be honest, do your duty

Successes: Strong self-government: Town meetings Elected representatives Required all children to learn to read so all could study Bible

Problems: Strict work ethic scorned dancing, games, other amusements Only church members could vote Only the “elect” could be leaders Some challenged church leaders Roger Williams Anne Hutchinson

Problems: King Philip’s War over land disputes with Native Americans Salem Witchcraft Trials