Overview
This lecture covers the origins, lead-up to, events, and consequences of the Jamestown Massacre of 1622, a violent conflict between English colonists and the Powhatan Confederacy in Virginia.
The Powhatan Confederacy
- The Powhatan Confederacy consisted of over 30 Algonquin-speaking Native American tribes in present-day Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
- Chief Powhatan (Wahunsenacawh) unified the confederacy through conquest, diplomacy, or bribery.
- Each tribe in the confederacy paid tribute to Powhatan, who redistributed resources.
- The confederacy's economy relied on agriculture, trade, and war prizes, especially from ongoing conflicts with the Iroquois Confederacy.
Origins of English Colonization & Early Conflicts
- Earlier Roanoke colonies (1585, 1587) failed; Jamestown was established in 1607.
- The Powhatan initially tolerated English presence, expecting mutual benefit and aid against Spanish or hostile tribes.
- The English became increasingly demanding, taking more land and food, leading to tensions.
- Chief Powhatan restricted colonist movements, contributing to the “Starving Time” and high mortality.
- John Smith was captured and released, possibly through intervention by Pocahontas.
The First Powhatan War (1610–1614)
- The English adopted a "no compromise" policy, sparking guerrilla warfare.
- Natives were effective with bows; English used raids and received reinforcements from Europe.
- John Rolfe introduced tobacco, becoming wealthy.
- Pocahontas was kidnapped, converted to Christianity as Rebecca, and married John Rolfe, which ended the first war in peace.
Changing Leadership & Rising Tensions
- Chief Powhatan died in 1618, succeeded by his stepbrother Opechancanough, who distrusted the English.
- Colonists built new settlements and founded a college to educate Native youth in Christianity.
- Tensions remained despite temporary peace and examples of cooperation.
The Jamestown Massacre (1622)
- On March 22, 1622, Powhatan warriors attacked English settlements, killing around 347 colonists in a coordinated assault.
- Entire settlements, including Henricus and a college, were destroyed; John Rolfe was killed.
- Natives expected the English to retreat, but the colonists retaliated and continued the conflict.
Aftermath and Ongoing Conflict
- The massacre initiated the Second Powhatan War (1622–1626), with hostilities lasting into the 1630s.
- Further conflicts, including a third war, continued into the 1640s.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Powhatan Confederacy — Alliance of over 30 Algonquin tribes under the leadership of Chief Powhatan.
- Starving Time — Period (1609–1610) when Jamestown colonists suffered famine and high mortality.
- Guerrilla warfare — Small, mobile groups using surprise attacks, as practiced by Powhatan groups.
- Opechancanough — Powhatan leader who orchestrated the 1622 attack on the English.
- Jamestown Massacre — Coordinated Powhatan attack on English colonists on March 22, 1622.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review upcoming lectures for further coverage of conflicts after the Jamestown Massacre.