1. What Happened In England ?
Background information leading to the establishment of the first English Colonies in North America

2. English Government King Nobility Gentry Ordinary People or Commoners
English Government in 1606 can be described in a hierarchy or levels of different classes
King
Nobility
Gentry
Ordinary People or Commoners

3. King James I 1606 Elizabeth I dies James becomes king
He believes he rules because “God” selected him
He sees self as head of government and he only answers to himself and “God”

4. Nobility Very powerful Members of Parliament
Parliament: group of leaders that make laws, levy taxes and collect taxes
Elected representatives of different neighborhoods
They are use to controlling the Monarch
James and Nobility have conflict over who has power

5. Gentry This group enforces laws of Parliament
Control different neighborhoods
Wealthy land owners who elect representatives to Parliament

6. 3 o’clock Appointment
What is the benefit of this relationship for the Gentry and Nobility?
How might this cause problems for others in England?

7. Ordinary People or Commoners
Workers, farmers, craftsmen
Most Englishmen worked for other Englishmen
No voice in Government

8. Rule of Common Law
Law in England was based on customs and what had been done in the past
No laws were written down
Parliament was allowed to interpret custom

9. Rule of Common Law King also leader of Church
No separation of church and state
Church leaders also part of Parliament
“morally right” to follow laws
Concern to keep common people working
work = God’s approval

10. Problems with England Parliament and Gentry did not have to follow law
Most men worked in agriculture
Can’t farm year round
No work left time to play
Not proper to work all the time

11. 12 o’clock Appointment
What predictions can you make about the situation in England in 1606?

12. Problems with England Population Explosion
Too many people not enough work
Government tries to find jobs for everyone
Everyone gets a little work, but not enough to survive
Causes under employment
Law requires employers to hire men for at least 1 year

13. Problems with England Nobility becomes greedy
Start buying things they want, but don’t need
More money starts circulating
Cost of ALL goods goes up but jobs are still scarce
Leads to inflation
Inflation: Cost of living goes up, but income stays same or decreases

14. Problems with England Large land owners have big problems
Land lease system: people lease land for “3 lives”
Land is leased at the same price for years
Land owners broke so they sell their farmland
“Sheep eat Men”
Farmers out of work
Move to the city

15. Elizabethan Poor Law Outlaws begging
All men are required by law to work
Colonies become a source of work