Lesson Two: Learning Objectives 1-3

1) State the factors that led England to begin colonization.
           By the time England had begun any attempt at colonization in the Americas, Spain had already established itself as the super power of that current time period. France had also began settlements in America, and England decided that colonization would be necessary step if they wished to compete militarily, economically, and politically with all the other major European countries. While no longer considered so much to be "The New World", America was obviously a source of profitable materials and land. The reason that England decided to venture into American territory can be best described with the term "push-pull factors". In 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh began the first English colony named Roanoke but it was deemed unsuccessful, mysteriously disappearing. For individuals, religion played a large part in why some wanted to escape America. The Reformation pushed many to flee England and escape to America where they would be free of religious persecution. Religious groups such as Pilgrims, Puritans, and Quakers came to America hoping to create an environment where they were free to live as they wish. Job opportunities were also scarce at the time, and many felt that they could create a better situation for themselves in America. Trans-Atlantic fare became more affordable and many families were able to come to America through either indentured servitude or from their own pocket. One phenomenon that occurred was chain migration in which many migrated to America because of family or friends who were already there. In conclusion, England chose to begin colonization in America because of the country's need to compete with growing European economies. But what truly brought British individuals to support England's overseas endeavors was the idea of freedom to pursue a higher economic and personal standing, something that England could not offer.

2) Describe the development of the Jamestown colony from its disastrous beginnings to its later prosperity.
               In 1606, King James I granted a charter to a group of entrepreneurs, named the Virginia Company, to establish a colony in America. Many settlers traveled from London to the Chesapeake region of North America, but unfortunately many of the settlers were considered to be of English gentry and presumably had no knowledge in how to survive in the wilderness. Immediately after landing, the colonists were under attack from the Algonquian natives, who were considered to be the settlers half-hearted enemies. It was Captain John Smith's leadership that prevented the struggling colony from dissolving completely, but when he left, a period known as "Starving Time" fell upon the colonists. More then half of the original settler died from the temporarily hostile environment and the Anglo-Pohwatan Wars, and many considered abandoning the colony all together. It was not until the very determined Lord De La Warre came along with cargo ships full of materials and  the colony desperately needed. But the suffering and hardship continued until  tobacco entrepeneur John Rolfe married Pocahontas, daughter of the Algonquian chief Powhatan, their marriage brought a time a piece in Jamestown. Since the colony felt secure and leveled, they developed a structured government that would help organize and control issues concerning Jamestown. The town even began using a small amount of African slaves to help the colony operate, though they were considered indentured servants at the time along with many poor white individuals. When the dissatisfied Algonquians once again attacked Jamestown, The Virginia Colony's charter was revoked and Jamestown became a royal colony in 1624. Jamestown did not have the greatest start, but it was the determination of a few men that made this colony the first successful venture into settlement for the English.

3) Describe the cultural and Social changes that Indian communities underwent in response English Colonization.
               Native Americans in North America had inhabited the land for over 15,000 years and thrived in a variety of setting and cultures.They are set apart by different dialects, religion, diets, and many other factors that made the Native American a very diverse people.Native Americans manage to make wild plants such as corn, potatoes, pumpkin, yams, and lima beans into edible farm crops used to feed themselves. When English settlers arrived at the coast of America, many Natives where not very welcoming (as seen between Jamestown colonist and the Algonquian tribe) but at times not all was lost. Europeans reintroduced the horse to North America and Native American thrived from the ability to travel greater distances and explore newer territory. Native Americans went as far as to trade with settlers in exchange for new materials or weapons, and they would even aid the colonist in any trouble they came across. However, more negative aspects outweighed any positive relationship the English and the Native Americans had; consequently, trade and proximity brought disease to the the Natives who were not immune. The population of Native American decreased significantly and this only soured the fragile relationship both groups shared. As the Native American's hold on America loosened, British settlers forced many out of their land with their superior weapons and constructions. While English settlers slowly began to over power Native Americans, the dislike many tribes had for the foreigners ultimately led them to set aside their own differences and band together against any European threat.