Georgia as a Royal Colony

The Spanish Threat from Florida Great Britain controlled Georgia’s borders, and Spain controlled Florida’s. In 1739, a war broke out between Great Britain and Spain- the “War of Jenkins’s Ear”. Oglethorpe used this to invade Spanish Florida and they attempted to take major forts, particularly St. Augustine. They were met with a militia and defeated. Two years later he employed the help of the Highland Scots and beat the Spanish at the Battle of Bloody Marsh.

An Evaluation of the Trustee Period In 1743, Oglethorpe was called to Great Britain to answer charges that he had not acted correctly when he failed to capture St. Augustine. He was cleared of the charges, but did not return to Georgia. William Stephens, the trustees’ secretary, was named president. He was met with multiple disagreements; liquor, slaves, and land ownership. Two more presidents followed him before the Trustees returned Georgia to King George II.

Impact of the Royal Governors In 1752, Georgia became a royal colony. A royal colony is one directly governed by the king. In the two years it took for a royal governor to be appointed many people moved back to Georgia, bringing their slaves with them. They began growing rice and indigo. A port was built in Liberty County, Sunbury, so the planters could ship their crops.

Who was given the honor of being the Georgia colony’s first governor? 1754-1757 Former Navy captain Greeted with much fan fare and excitement Is given credit for giving colonists the right to self-government and for setting up the colony’s first bi-cameral legislature and court system. Ha, ha! Suckers! The king chose me first! Captain John Reynolds

What did self-government mean to GA colonists? 50 Acres! Gave colonists the right to voice concerns and be a part of the evolution of the GA colony! Colonists would have the right to – Vote – had to own 50 acres and be male Hold elections Collect taxes

The Royal Colony of GA’s First Government Bi-Cameral Legislature Commons House of Assembly Governor’s Council Lower house Upper house These men were elected by colonists These men were appointed by the King Had to own 500 acres Were wealthy, influential landowners Could write and vote on bills Would advise the governor, approve land grants, make laws, and, sometimes, act as judges in legal cases

The Royal Colony of GA’s First Government When the colonists had differences with each other, they went before the Court of Conscience, over which presided a local justice of the peace. Cases that couldn’t be resolved by the C.C. were heard by members of the Governor’s Council.

Georgia’s first royal governor John Reynolds Lost his temper when the Commons House disagreed with his viewpoints on building up the defenses of the colony, and he disbanded the legislature and took charge writing and approving bills. He assigned a close friend more than 6 administration jobs to make up for those he had sent home.

Georgia’s first royal governor John Reynolds While “waiting for a better assignment to came along,” Reynolds was called back to England to answer charges that he behaved poorly. He was ordered to resign and went back to service in the Navy. Major events - he was royal governor when the French and Indian War was beginning. Back to a life I know and love!

Who was the 2nd royal governor of the Georgia colony? Henry Ellis 1757-1760 In today’s world, he’d be heavily medicated! Sadly, no paintings of me can be found! Gov. Henry Ellis

Who was the 2nd royal governor of the Georgia colony? Was another captain in the British Royal Navy Fancied himself a naturalist and scientist He unified feuding factions of colonists, sought the advice of the governor of SC, and allowed wealthy, influential colonists help lead the colony.

Who was the 2nd royal governor of the Georgia colony? Major boom time for GA’s population. By 1759 = 10,000 in GA Colony made huge economic progress! new farms, new crops being grown successfully, and new products to purchase as more and more merchants conduct business in GA CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, COME ON!

Who was the 2nd royal governor of the Georgia colony? In 1759, Ellis becomes very ill and asks to return to Britain. He is later re-assigned to Nova Scotia in 1761

Who was the 3rd and last royal governor of the Georgia colony? James Wright 1760-1776 Was the attorney general for SC before coming to GA Wright played a key role in two large land cessions from GA's Indians in 1763 and1773. Man is fickle! Everyone loves me…then, many HATE me! Gov. James Wright

Who was the 3rd and last royal governor of the Georgia colony? Completed the defenses around Savannah with palisades and forts were made stronger. New port at Sunbury was created b/c trade was booming. Man is fickle! Everyone loves me…then, many HATE me! Gov. James Wright