The Founding of Georgia

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, and concepts from the Founding of Georgia notes.

Charter of 1732

Document granting James Oglethorpe a colony in Georgia, defining its boundaries, the powers of officials, and the rights of settlers.

James Oglethorpe

Founder of Georgia who sought to settle the 'worthy poor' of London and obtained the 1732 charter.

Worthy Poor

Londoners unable to pay debts who were to be relocated to the Georgia colony.

Trustees

A group placed in official positions to govern Georgia for 21 years; they could not receive a salary or own land in Georgia or hold public office there.

Charity/Philanthropy

One of four reasons for settling Georgia: to relieve poverty and unemployment.

Economics

Reason for settlement: to increase British trade and wealth.

Defense

Reason for settlement: to provide a buffer and defense for South Carolina against Spanish attacks.

Religion

Idea: to provide a home free of persecution (not explicitly in the charter).

Catholics banned

Catholics were banned from Georgia due to fear of Spanish Catholic influence in Florida.

Slavery banned

Georgia originally banned slavery as part of trustee aims (policy later changed after 1750).

Boundaries (1732 charter)

Georgia's boundaries extended from the Savannah River to the Altamaha River and westward to the Pacific Ocean.

Anne (ship)

The ship carrying the first colonists in 1732; stopped in Charleston before reaching Yamacraw Bluff.

Yamacraw Bluff

Location where Oglethorpe met Tomochichi, chief of the Yamacraw, to negotiate land for Georgia.

Tomochichi

Chief of the Yamacraw who granted land to the English for Georgia in exchange for goods and protection.

Tomochichi's land grant

Land given by Tomochichi to the English for settlement in Georgia.

John Musgrove

English interpreter who helped communicate with Tomochichi.

Mary Musgrove

Interpreting partner who aided communication between Oglethorpe and Tomochiche.

Charity colonists

Thirty-five families chosen as Georgia's first settlers, many skilled laborers.

Trustees' two keys to success

Strict rules on land and work, and carefully selected colonists.

Strict rules on land

Rules governing land ownership and use to keep the colony productive.

Carefully selected colonists

Only pre-screened settlers (not debtors) were chosen to relocate to Georgia.

First colonists' obligations

In return for land, weapons, tools, and food, colonists had to clear land, raise crops, build structures, and follow rules.

Georgia Day

February 12, 1733, commemorating the arrival of the Georgia settlement.

Hogarth cartoon

William Hogarth's satirical depiction of English debtors' prison highlighting flaws in the system and fueling reform.