England in the New World and Early Colonization

Flashcards covering England's motivation for colonizing North America, joint-stock companies, the Mystery of Roanoke, and the establishment of Jamestown under John Smith.

Why did England decide to colonize further north in the New World?

England wanted to get rich like Spain, but had to pick a location further north because Spain had already colonized a lot of the New World.

How did England's government approach funding for colonization compared to Spain?

England decided not to fund colonization directly; instead, a charter or official permit for a joint-stock company was required.

What was the purpose of a joint-stock company in early English colonization?

It allowed several investors to pool their wealth in support of a colony that would hopefully yield a profit.

Based on this map of the Americas, which European territories were established during colonization?

Spanish Territory, Portuguese Territory, French Territory, British Territory, Russian Territory, and Dutch Territory.

What was the first attempt by the English to colonize the New World, and when did it take place?

Roanoke, which took place from 1585 to 1590.

What was found when the leader of the Roanoke colony returned from getting supplies in England?

An empty settlement with no sign of struggle or evidence of a fight, with only "CRO" carved in a tree.

What do most people believe happened to the settlers of Roanoke?

Most believe the local natives (Croatoan) killed the settlers or that the settlers left to join them.

In what year was the settlement of Jamestown established?

1607.

What promises did the Virginia Company make to investors?

They promised that gold would be found in the New World and that each person who went to colonize the land would get a share.

Who granted the charter to the Virginia Company, and what share of precious metals was reserved for him?

King James I granted the charter, and the king of England was to get 1/5 of all the gold and silver.

Who was the leader of the Jamestown settlement?

John Smith.

How did John Smith handle the food shortage in Jamestown, and who saved his life?

He made deals with the Powhatans (local natives of Virginia) for food, and his life was saved by Pocahontas, the daughter of the Powhatan chief.

How did John Smith shift the focus of the Jamestown colonists, and what was his famous quote?

He convinced people to put effort into building the settlement and growing crops instead of looking for gold, famously saying, "If you don't work you don't eat".