Chapter 3- British Exploration

Early British Exploration

Why the British Came to North America

Walter Raleigh's Dream

  • The First Attempt: Walter Raleigh was the first English explorer to try to establish a colony in North America.

  • Why It Failed: His colonies faced several challenges that led to their failures:

    • Harsh environmental conditions.

    • Lack of adequate supplies.

    • Difficulty in surviving the wilderness.

  • Legacy: Despite his failures, Raleigh's attempts inspired future British expeditions to continue pursuing colonization efforts.

Reasons for British Colonization

Economic Motivations

  1. Money: Britain viewed colonies as lucrative opportunities for profit through the extraction of resources such as:

    • Tobacco

    • Fish

    • Timber

Competition with Other Powers

  1. Competition: Spain and France had established rich colonies; Britain sought to enhance its global power and economic clout by establishing its own colonies.

Social Factors

  1. Overcrowding: British cities experienced overcrowding, leading to a scarcity of farmland for the growing populace.

  2. Religious Freedom: Persecution of Puritans in Britain motivated them to seek safe havens where they could practice their faith freely.

Push vs. Pull Factors

Push Factors (From Britain)

  • Crowded cities

  • Insufficient farmland

  • Religious persecution

  • Limited job opportunities

Pull Factors (To North America)

  • Availability of open land for farming

  • Opportunities to earn money

  • Freedom to worship as they choose

  • Fresh starts in new environments

Creation of the Colonies

King's Permission

  • Authority of King James I: Provided permission for private groups to establish colonies, effectively giving them a 'go-ahead' to start enterprises.

Role of Private Investors

  • Investment Groups: Organizations like the Virginia Company gathered financial support from investors hoping to achieve wealth through colonization.

Journey to the New World

  • Risky Voyages: Settlers faced long and cramped journeys across the Atlantic, commonly enduring:

    • Sea disease

    • Storms

Establishing New Lives

  • Building Communities: Colonists constructed homes, farms, and local governments; each colony operated under different governance structures based on local needs and beliefs.

The Thirteen Colonies

A Different Society

  • A total of 13 British colonies were established along the eastern coast, each distinguished by:

    • Different governmental systems

    • Varied economic practices

    • Religious diversity

Self-Governing Characteristics

  • Colonies crafted their own laws, cultivated crops independently, and formed communities reflecting their individual beliefs.

Foundation for Future Nations

  • The Thirteen Colonies laid the groundwork for the future United States and significantly influenced Canadian development as well.

Life in the Colonies

Agricultural Practices

  • Colonists primarily farmed crops such as:

    • Tobacco

    • Corn

    • Wheat

  • The farming process was labor-intensive but essential for survival.

Trade Dynamics

  • Colonies engaged in trade by sending resources to Britain in exchange for essential goods such as:

    • Tools

    • Clothing

    • Salt

Religious Diversity

  • While some colonies, like Massachusetts, had religious motivations, others welcomed a variety of faiths, promoting pluralism.

Political Structure

  • Colonists began forming local assemblies, marking early developments towards democratic governance and self-rule.

Discussion Points

Personal Perspectives on Migration

  • Potential Risks and Rewards: Considerations if you lived in Britain during the 1600s. Would you have relocated to a colony in North America, factoring in both the dangers of the journey and hopes for a better life?

  • Hypothetical considerations include:

    • Overcrowding in British cities versus the perilous journey across the sea due to disease and storms.

    • The prospect of seeking religious freedom and practicing faith without fear of persecution.

Key Events in Early Colonization

  • 1585: Walter Raleigh’s attempt to establish a colony at Roanoke fails as settlers run out of supplies.

  • 1607: The foundation of Jamestown, the first successful British colony, in Virginia.

  • 1620: The Pilgrims arrive via the Mayflower to establish Plymouth Colony, seeking religious freedom.

  • 1630s: Additional colonies establish themselves along the eastern coast, each with distinct regulations and economies.

Lessons and Insights

  • Major Themes:

    • Raleigh's failed colony attempts were significant lessons paving the way for future successes.

    • The motivations behind British colonization included economic gain, competition, territorial expansion, and the pursuit of liberty.

    • King James I's support enabled private entities to create colonies, fostering the development of the Thirteen Colonies.

    • These colonies evolved into self-governing entities, each characterized by unique economic and religious identities that influenced modern governance.

British Colonies in Atlantic Canada

Recap of British Motivations

Economic and Political Interests

  • Britain sought wealth through resources like furs, fish, and farmland, while addressing the needs of a burgeoning population.

Competitive Landscape

  • To rival Spain and France, territory acquisition was crucial for Britain, along with fulfilling some groups' desires for religious autonomy.

John Cabot's Contributions

First British Contact

  • 1497: John Cabot explores for England, reaching Newfoundland.

  • Fishing Wealth: He discovers abundant fish populations, particularly cod, reporting that they could be captured in baskets.

  • No Permanent Settlement Initially: For years afterward, British presence remained temporary, focusing on seasonal fishing rather than establishing settlements.

Transition from Fishing Stations to Colonies

Seasonal Fishing Practices

  • British fishermen arrived in Newfoundland seasonally to fish and dried their catches, returning to England afterward.

Rising Competition

  • Conflicts arose among competing fishing fleets from France, Britain, and other nations for superior drying locations.

Establishment of Permanent Colonies

  • Governance Changes: King George II authorized the establishment of permanent fishing villages, appointing a governor—thereby recognizing Newfoundland as an official British colony.

Effects on Indigenous Peoples

The Beothuk Experience

  • Access Restrictions: British occupation cut off Beothuk access to coastal fishing and hunting grounds, leading to conflicts as they fought to maintain their means of survival.

  • Health Crises & Violence: The introduction of European diseases, alongside violent encounters, led to significant loss of life among the Beothuk population, culminating in extinction.

  • Last Known Beothuk: Shanawdithit, marked as the final known Beothuk individual, died in 1829.

European Conflicts Impacting Canada

1700s War Engagements

  • European Warfare: Britain and France engaged in conflicts in Europe, affecting colonial territories in North America.

  • 1713 Treaty of Utrecht: France ceded Acadia (Nova Scotia) and Newfoundland to Britain while retaining possession of Louisbourg.

  • 1749 Fortification: British established Halifax at a strategic location favored by the Mi’kmaq, aiming to strengthen British dominance.

  • 1750s Conflict with the Mi’kmaq: Hostilities escalated as the Mi’kmaq resisted British incursions, prompting destruction orders of their settlements.

The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Fur Empire

Origins of the Company

  • Fur Trade Influence: French explorers Radisson and des Groseilliers introduced fur trading concepts to Britain.

  • Monopoly Grant: King Charles II established a trading monopoly, creating the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670, covering territories known as Rupert's Land.

  • First Nations Engagement: Initially, the French had contact with Indigenous peoples; the British later expanded westward for fur trading.

Exploration of the Interior

Significant British Explorations

  1. Henry Kelsey's Journey: Navigated with the Cree, reaching Saskatchewan as the first European from the east.

  2. Anthony Henday's Expedition: In 1754, Henday traveled to Alberta, encouraging Siksika to submit to British trade instead of French alternatives.

  3. Samuel Hearne's Arctic Exploration: In the 1770s, Hearne, accompanied by Matonabbee, traversed to the Arctic Ocean but discovered no gold.

Causes and Challenges of Early Colonization

Question Set

  1. Name two primary reasons for British interest in North American colonization.

  2. Identify who authorized private colonies in North America.

  3. Explain the factors leading to Raleigh's failed colonies.

Correct Responses

  1. Motivations included economic gain and rivalry with other nations.

  2. King James I sanctioned private groups to establish colonies; this support led to the Thirteen Colonies' advent.

  3. Raleigh’s colonies suffered food shortages and lacked support from England, leading to their demise.

Summary of British Efforts

  • The British began with fishing endeavors in Newfoundland before transitioning to full colonization in Nova Scotia and Rupert’s Land, facing challenges in interactions with French and Indigenous populations alike.

  • Through exploration and the fur trade, Britain fundamentally influenced the development of North America, impacting future territorial dynamics.