English Colonization in America ⛵️

Context of English Colonization

• Importance of England: Key focus for American history due to significant colonization efforts.
• Scene Setting: Background on England and Europe necessary.

Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther (1517): Nailed 95 theses against the Roman Catholic Church, igniting the Protestant Reformation.
• Impact in Europe: Spread rapidly across the German countryside.
• Spread to England: Led Henry VIII to establish the Church of England for personal/political reasons.

English Reformation

• Henry VIII: Established the Church of England to secure a divorce, making England Protestant.
• Elizabeth I: Consolidated England as a staunchly Protestant nation.
• Resulting Factors:
  • Strong national state
  • Religious unity
  • Nationalism and pride
  • Economic depression leading to high unemployment

Motivation for Colonization

• Surplus Population: Concerns over social unrest due to unemployed population.
• Colonial Exploration: Idea of sending surplus population to distant lands.

Joint-Stock Companies

• Financing Method: Unlike other nations, England used joint-stock companies instead of royal funding.
• Concept: Investors pooled money to fund colonies, expecting profits in return.
• Example - Virginia Company: Financed the journey and settlement.

Establishment of Jamestown

• Arrival (May 24, 1607): 100 settlers arrived in Virginia.
• Challenges: Disease, starvation, and harsh living conditions.
• John Smith's Leadership: Essential for colony's survival.
• Grim Conditions:
  • High mortality rates
  • Starvation led to extreme measures (e.g., cannibalism)

Tobacco as Economic Savior

• Discovery: Virginia soil perfect for tobacco cultivation.
• Economic Boom: Tobacco became a profitable cash crop.
• Consequences:
  • Soil nutrient depletion
  • Need for more land
  • Increased demand for labor

Introduction of Slavery (1619)

• Dutch Warship: Brought 20 African slaves to Virginia.
• John Rolfe's Account: Noted the purchase of these slaves.
• Impact: Slaves provided the labor force needed for tobacco cultivation.
• Long-term Effects: Foreshadowed the violent conflicts related to slavery in America.

Conclusion

• Change in Fortune: Tobacco changed the economic landscape.
• Foreshadowing: Introduction of slavery would have profound effects in future American history.

See you next time!