Overview
This lecture covers the early history of the Virginia colony, explaining its founding, initial struggles, and the key factors that led to its survival and future prosperity.
Origins of Virginia Colony
- Virginia was settled in 1607 after the failed Roanoke colony.
- King James I chartered the Virginia Company, a joint-stock company, in 1606 to fund the colony.
- Joint-stock companies allowed investors to pool resources and share profits or losses.
Early Settlement and Challenges
- In May 1607, 104 male colonists landed at Chesapeake Bay, establishing Jamestown.
- Colonists were mostly wealthy gentlemen with no survival skills or leadership.
- Jamestown was built on marshy, disease-ridden land with frequent flooding.
- The colony faced rampant disease, starvation, and poor relations with the powerful Powhatan Confederacy.
Crucial Leadership and Survival
- John Smith emerged as a leader, enforcing discipline: "If you do not work, you don’t eat."
- Smith’s leadership helped the colony survive until 1609, when he was injured and returned to England.
- After Smith's departure, the "starving time" (winter 1609–1610) reduced the population from 600 to about 100.
- A resupply fleet led by Thomas West (Lord De La Warr) prevented abandonment of Jamestown.
Path to Prosperity
- John Rolfe introduced a mild, profitable strain of tobacco in 1612, creating Virginia’s major cash crop.
- Sir Edwin Sandys' "Great Charter" of 1618 established reforms:
- The headright system granted 50 acres to any settler buying company shares and passage.
- Creation of the first representative legislature in America, the Virginia General Assembly (later House of Burgesses).
- These reforms attracted immigrants, fostered local government, and enabled rapid growth.
Native American Relations and Expansion
- Pocahontas' marriage to John Rolfe temporarily ensured peace with the Powhatan Confederacy.
- Her death in 1622 led to renewed conflict; the Powhatan attacked settlers, sparking the Second Anglo-Powhatan War.
- The eventual defeat of the Powhatan Confederacy removed native resistance to expansion.
Transition to Royal Colony
- In 1624, King James I revoked the Virginia Company’s charter; Virginia became a royal colony under direct royal control.
- Colonists gained the right to own property and start businesses.
- Royal governors, notably William Berkeley (from 1642), oversaw rapid economic growth, especially through tobacco.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Joint-stock company — Business where investors share profits/losses by buying shares.
- Virginia Company — The joint-stock company that founded Jamestown.
- Headright system — Land grant system giving 50 acres per share or new arrival.
- House of Burgesses — The first elected legislative assembly in America.
- Cash crop — Profitable crop grown for sale (e.g., tobacco).
- Powhatan Confederacy — A powerful alliance of Native American tribes near Jamestown.
- Starving time — Winter of 1609–1610, when Jamestown settlers suffered mass starvation.
- Royal colony — Colony under direct control of the English crown.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the rise of tobacco as a cash crop and its effects.
- Study the headright system and the development of representative government.
- Prepare to discuss the significance of Virginia’s success for the American Revolution in future lectures.