Protestant Reformation

Monumental watershed event in Europe, beginning in 1517.
Initiated by Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses, which criticized the Catholic Church for selling indulgences.
- Indulgences Definition: Payment for a certificate offering relief of temporary punishment for sin without forgiving the sin itself.
- Purpose of indulgences: Fund the rebuilding of Saint Peter's Basilica.
- Martin Luther’s argument: Catholic Church's corruption due to the selling of indulgences.

Arrival in England initiated by Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
- Catherine could not bear him a male heir.
- Catholic Church's refusal to annul the marriage leads Henry VIII to establish the Anglican Church.
The Protestant Reformation’s influence solidified with Elizabeth I's reign, who became queen in 1558 and was fully committed to Protestantism.

Elizabeth I’s favorite explorer, lived from 1552 to 1618.
Organized expedition to settle Roanoke Island in 1585, believing it to be an "American Eden" rich in resources.
- Virginia: Named in honor of Elizabeth I, the "virgin queen".
Early hardships faced by English settlers included reliance on local Native American tribes for assistance, specifically the Roanoke tribe led by Chief Wanchese.
Expansion of demands from English settlers led to conflict and the eventual killing of Chief Wanchese in 1586.

A second attempt to establish a colony occurred in 1587, met with critical supply shortages.
John White sent for supplies but could not return until 1590, after the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Upon his return, found the colony deserted with the word "Croatan" carved into a tree, indicating a mysterious fate possibly linked to the Croatan tribe.
The fate of the colonists is debated: starvation or conflict with Native Americans likely led to their demise.

Following Elizabeth's death in 1603, James I succeeded the throne and sought peace with Spain, becoming hostile towards Sir Walter Raleigh.
Raleigh was imprisoned in the Tower of London and later executed in 1618 for treason after failed expeditions.

Established by the Virginia Company, comprised of merchants and aristocrats seeking profit.
- Three ships: Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed carried 104 settlers to Virginia.
Settlements made 30 miles up the James River for defense against Spanish rivals.
Settler interactions with the local Powhatan tribe led by Chief Powhatan produced initial conflicts but later peace for mutual survival.

Captain John Smith’s leadership established stricter military discipline, notably stating, "He that will not work shall not eat."
Smith’s departure due to injury around 1609 led to catastrophic "starving time" with over 50% of the settlers dying from starvation and diseases.
Disturbing reports of cannibalism emerged from desperate settlers during harsh conditions.

The daughter of Chief Powhatan and significant figure in early Jamestown history; known for her association and involvement in saving John Smith.
Captured and converted to Christianity in 1613, later married John Rolfe, contributing to the success of Virginia's economy through tobacco cultivation.
Died in 1617 of likely tuberculosis or pneumonia; her death coincided with the diminished harmony between English settlers and Native Americans.

Powhatan died in 1618, succeeded by his brother Opechancanough.
Attacks on English settlements began in 1622, resulting in the massacre of 340 settlers.
Continued conflict led to the diminishment of native power.

By 1624, the Virginia Company’s charter was revoked due to failure to produce profits.
Virginia became a royal colony, directly governed by the king in response to ongoing conflicts and economic troubles.

Chesapeake society included both Virginia (royal colony) and Maryland (proprietary colony).
Key economic driver was tobacco, which became known as "king" due to its profitability.
- Introduced the concept of indentured servitude, where 75% of new arrivals worked to pay off passage debts.
Indentured Servant Definition: Individuals who worked 5-7 years in exchange for passage and eventual land.

Harsh working conditions, prevalent disease, and poor hygiene skewed the life expectancy.
- Average life expectancy around 40s (48 for males, 44 for females).
- High child mortality rate led to family life suffering considerably.

Maryland was established by Cecilius Calvert (Lord Baltimore) as a refuge for Catholics, later encountering tensions with Protestant settlers.
The Act of Religious Toleration (1649) was enacted to enforce coexistence between Catholics and Protestants, promoting a milestone of early American religious freedom.

The English colonial experience was characterized by initial failures, harsh circumstances, and increasing conflict with Native Americans.
Significant historical figures include Martin Luther, Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, and Powhatan.
Jamestown's establishment and subsequent developement illustrate the complexities of colonial America, including economic ambitions, conflicts, and the evolving landscape of relations between settlers and indigenous populations.