Crash Course U.S. History - Early English Colonization

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus on how English settlers came for religious freedom and founded the U.S.
• Most settlers came to escape religious persecution (e.g., Massachusetts Bay) but not true for all.

Early Settlements in Virginia

Jamestown

• Founded in 1607, first successful English colony.
• Previous attempts (e.g., Roanoke) failed.
• Established by the Virginia Company to make profits, not for religious reasons.
• Initial goal: Find gold, similar to Spanish in South America.
• Problems: Jewelers disliked farming, leading to starvation.
• High mortality rates in early years, known as "Starving Time."

Headright System

• Introduced in 1618 to attract settlers, offering land in exchange for passage.
• Led to establishment of large estates, worked by indentured servants.
• First African slaves arrived in 1619.

Tobacco Industry

• Tobacco became cash crop, highly profitable.
• Tobacco plantations shaped Virginian society; limited towns, infrastructure.
• Society mostly male (5:1 male to female), dominated by wealthy landowners.
• Some women gained status as widows, owning property.

Maryland Colony

• Founded in 1632, second Chesapeake colony.
• A proprietorship granted to Cecilius Calvert.
• Calvert aimed for a feudal society; Maryland welcomed Catholics.

New England Colonies

Massachusetts Bay Colony

• Better known due to distinct beliefs of settlers (Pilgrims and Puritans).
• Pilgrims: Sought complete separation from the Church of England; founded Plymouth.
• Puritans: Sought to purify Church of England; formed Massachusetts Bay.
• Mayflower Compact: First written government framework in U.S.

Puritan Society

• Social unity prioritized over individual rights.
• Towns governed democratically, but only church members could participate.
• John Winthrop's "City upon a Hill" sermon emphasized collective effort.
• Religious tolerance limited: dissenters like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson were banished.

Key Themes

• America's founding involved religious motives and economic ventures.
• Puritan societies were not as egalitarian as often portrayed.
• American history includes indigenous peoples and varied European settlers.

Conclusion

• America's founding involves myth and reality.
• Early colonies built on economic goals and strict religious practices.
• Ongoing tension between American ideals and history.

Production

• Written by John Green and Raoul Meyer.
• Graphics by Thought Bubble.
• Encouragement to engage with Crash Course content for further learning.