Early Jamestown Colony Essay

There were 110 men willing to risk everything they had to have a new lease on life. These men were headed to Jamestown, the first permanent settlement. By the end of December only 40 settlers would survive. So, why did so many colonist die?

Jamestown was repeating cycle of death, it started May 14th, 1607 when colonists set sail from England to Anchor in Chesapeake Bay. The Colonists came to Jamestown in search of possible riches and to convert natives to Christianity. however, within the first 6 months 70 of the 110 original colonists had died, due to water supply/drought, bad planning, and relations with the natives. Further water supply and Jamestown wasn't very good leader leading to major droughts.

The early 1600’s was supposed to be a revolutionary time for England. England surveyed land in a new territory, now known as the United States, and came to a conclusion that this was an area they could thrive in. Although England believed this land was habitable, it would require a lot of time and work to be sustainable. The first departure from England happened in October of 1609; this ship holding 600 anxious Englishmen came near disaster. Once arrived these men realized they lacked the knowledge of how much work was required.

First in America In 1607 rich, lazy English merchants sailed to the new world. They landed in modern day Virginia. Their settlement was named Jamestown after King James of England. The land was a wet, swampy wilderness, which led to the struggle to survive.

The Roanoke Colony’s disappearance Did you know that even though Jamestown was England’s first permanent colony, it was not the first time colonists attempted to make their home in the new world. The Roanoke colony, also known as “The Lost Colony” was founded in 1585. The first couple years seemed to be going well until John White had to sail back to England for supplies. When he returned the whole colony had been deserted, and all 117 had gone missing.

Many countries attempted to start colonies after the New World was discovered. During the late 1500’s England attempted to settle a permanent colony in present day North Carolina. Their purpose for sailing over to the New World was to interfere the shipping for Spain. With a blessing from Queen Elizabeth of England, Sir Walter Raleigh set off to the New World with the help of Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe in command of the ships. The first of the Roanoke Voyages came in 1584.

Many colonists died because of brackish water, starvation, and Indian attacks and relations. They settled in Virginia near Chesapeake Bay in the Spring of 1607. They wanted to be first English settlement in the “New World”, which was in North America. Before there trouble they had just built their settlement and were improving the town. They also added military bases.

Jamestown and Plymouth were the first two successful English on the north side. In this essay will be talking about Jamestown and Plymouth, the ones that made history. That’s why we are talking about them right now or any day. Jamestown was established in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620. These two colonies were different, yet had a number striking similarities in government's, reasons for settlements, and differing economic activities.

French Louisiana: Economics and Development When Louisiana was first settled in 1699 by French immigrants, the colonies of the newly formed state were in an impoverished, unprofitable position. The colonies' destitution was due to the lack of resources provided by their new land and government, as well as France's political and economic negligence. However, after long years of poverty, the colony would one day turn a profit by trading their naturally occurring precious metals for paper money and land. Though the early settlers had been drawn to America with enticing tales of wealth and freedom, France was unable to finance it's settlements; the country's national bank had already been depleted by various European wars.

Roanoke Island Fritz, Jean. The Lost Colony of Roanoke. New York: G. P Putnam Sons, 2004. Laura Ingalls Wilder Award recipient and author of many historical biographies, Jean Fritz explores the circumstances that culminated in the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Island settlers. Her book, The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island covers the time period from 1584; when Roanoke Island and the surrounding area discovery; until the discovery of the abandoned colony in 1590.

The people who volunteered or went to Jamestown in Virginia basically signed a apply to death, either dying on the boats or dying at Jamestown. In 1607, the Englishmen arrived at the mouth of the Great Bay on the coast of Virginia(Chesapeake Bay). They went up the James River and settled in what they call Jamestown, but they weren’t prepared for what was in store for them. There were some problems that killed the colonists. The main problems were starvation(by the many causes), the lack of occupations, and the attacks of the indians living by them.

The Jamestown settlement was one of the harshest experiences for many of the people on that voyage and it was led by Bartholomew Gosnold. If one family member owned a big section of land the family would often fight over the claim on the land. The settlers lost all of their clean water supply and that caused them to have to drink salt water that carried diseases and illness. Many settlers could not handle the harsh weather. They did not know how to dress for the weather and could not find food.

By 1607, the British colonized Jamestown, the first successful English settlement in North America. However, the British were so far away from North America. Because of how far they were from North America, they became less strict with their trade regulations with its colonists and ignored whatever the colonists did for the most part. This British policy is salutary neglect and because of it, the colonists were able to create their own governments, create a capitalist economy, and have more religious freedom. These vital principles that are rooted in American society, were uniquely developed by the British colonies to some extent by 1754.