Jamestown

Definition

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in Virginia. This settlement marked a significant moment in British colonization, as it represented England's effort to expand its territories and assert its influence in the New World amidst growing competition from other European powers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jamestown was founded on May 14, 1607, by a group of about 100 English settlers, marking the beginning of a permanent English presence in America.
2. The settlement faced many challenges, including harsh weather, lack of food, and conflicts with Indigenous peoples, leading to high mortality rates among the settlers.
3. John Rolfe introduced tobacco as a cash crop in 1612, which became vital to Jamestown's economy and helped ensure its survival.
4. The establishment of the House of Burgesses in 1619 marked the beginning of representative government in America, allowing settlers to have a say in local governance.
5. Jamestown's struggles and eventual success paved the way for future English settlements and significantly impacted British colonial policies in North America.

Review Questions

• How did the Virginia Company influence the establishment and early years of Jamestown?
  • The Virginia Company was instrumental in establishing Jamestown by providing the financial backing necessary for the expedition. The company's goal was to profit from resources found in the New World, which motivated them to support colonization efforts. However, their desire for quick profits led to mismanagement and challenges in the early years, such as a focus on gold instead of sustainable agriculture, which resulted in food shortages and conflict with local Indigenous populations.
• Discuss the role of John Smith in ensuring the survival of Jamestown during its formative years.
  • John Smith played a vital role as a leader in Jamestown, implementing strict discipline among settlers and fostering relationships with Indigenous peoples. His famous adage 'he who does not work, does not eat' helped establish a work ethic essential for survival. Smith's interactions with Pocahontas and other Native Americans facilitated trade for food, which proved critical during times of hardship. His leadership laid a foundation that enabled Jamestown to endure its early struggles.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Jamestown's establishment on British colonization patterns in North America.
  • The establishment of Jamestown had profound long-term effects on British colonization patterns. It set a precedent for future settlements by demonstrating both the potential for wealth through resource exploitation, particularly with tobacco cultivation, and the importance of establishing governance structures like the House of Burgesses. The lessons learned from Jamestown's challenges informed subsequent colonial endeavors. It also paved the way for increased migration to North America and intensified competition with other European powers for control over territory and resources.

Related terms

Virginia Company:

A joint-stock company that funded the establishment of Jamestown, aiming to profit from the resources of the New World.

John Smith: An English explorer and leader of Jamestown who played a crucial role in its survival through his leadership and relationship with Native Americans.

Tobacco Cultivation: The farming of tobacco became the economic backbone of Jamestown, leading to increased demand for labor and ultimately the development of plantation systems.