Early European Colonization in the Americas

Aug 22, 2024

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Lecture 2: European Colonization

Overview of Spanish Colonization

  • Focused on Spanish presence in the New World.
  • Few settlers, mostly soldiers and priests.
  • Life improved in Spain due to gold, reducing motivation to emigrate.

Shift to English Colonization

  • Rivalry between England and Spain initiated by Henry VIII.
  • Henry VIII's divorce led to England becoming Protestant, intensifying rivalry.
  • Personal rivalry between Elizabeth I and Philip II.

Elizabeth I vs. Philip II

  • Elizabeth rejects Philip's marriage proposal.
  • Philip proposes to Mary, Queen of Scots; Elizabeth has Mary imprisoned and executed.
  • English piracy against Spanish gold shipments, Sir Francis Drake prominent figure.
  • Spanish Armada defeated by English tactics and a storm known as "Protestant Winds."

Motives for English Colonization

  • Economic: Merchants seeking trade, resources, joint-stock companies, and mercantilism.
  • Religious: Evangelizing Native Americans, escaping religious persecution.

Key Figures and Ideas

  • Richard Hakluyt advocated for colonization for defense and spreading Protestantism.
  • Pilgrims (Separatists) and Puritans sought religious freedom.

Early Colonization Attempts

Roanoke Island

  • First attempt failed; lost at sea.
  • Second attempt, led by John White, left deserted with "CROATOA" clue.

Jamestown

  • Founded by the London Company; struggle with harsh conditions.
  • High mortality rate due to disease and starvation.
  • John Smith's leadership critical; introduced discipline and survival strategies.
  • Introduction of tobacco by John Rolfe saved the colony.

Expansion and Further Colonies

  • Tobacco becomes essential for Virginia, leading to economic success.
  • Establishment of other colonies like Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

New England Colonies

  • Pilgrims land at Plymouth, form the Mayflower Compact.
  • Squanto aids Pilgrims' survival; First Thanksgiving.
  • Massachusetts Bay Colony led by John Winthrop.
  • Puritans establish a "city on a hill."

Key Conflicts and Relations

Native American Relations

  • Initial cooperation, later conflict as colonists expanded.
  • Pequot War and King Philip's War significant conflicts in New England.

Bacon's Rebellion (1676)

  • Indentured servants revolt against Virginia's policies.
  • Shift from indentured servants to African slaves.

Other Colonies

Quakers and Pennsylvania

  • Founded by William Penn as a refuge for religious freedom.
  • Tolerant society with strong Native American relations.
  • Eventually overrun by more ambitious settlers.

Key Characteristics

  • Colonies varied in purpose: economic ventures, religious freedom, penal colonies.
  • Early life harsh; colonies laid groundwork for the future United States.

Overall Summary: The lecture explores the early phases of European, particularly English, colonization in the Americas. English colonization was spurred by religious, economic, and political motivations. Early attempts faced significant hardships, but over time, colonies were established, laying the foundation for future development. The lecture highlights the complexity and diversity of colonial motivations and experiences.