The Beginning of English America “For I shall yet to see it (Virginia) an Inglishe nation” Sir Walter Raleigh (1607)
Influences on Exploration Religious Reformation 18th C Enlightenment
English Imperialism North America remained largely unexplored by 1600 and was effectively unclaimed by Europeans. Three outposts had been planted: Santa Fe 1610 Quebec 1608 Jamestown 1607 England made little attempt in colonizing Religious unrest also delayed their participation
Queen Elizabeth The Protestant Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1558, Protestantism became dominant and rivaled Catholicism Elizabeth encouraged the English to be aggressive against Spain “Sea Dogs”, like Francis Drake, plundered Spanish vessels English failures: Sir Gilbert died at sea, Walter Raleigh est. Roanoke colony
Turning Point Spanish-English showdown occurred 1588 Spanish Armada entered English Channel The “sea dogs” fought back The “Protestant Wind” was a set back for Spanish England was victorious England moves forward as master of the oceans filled with self- confidence 1604, a treaty was signed and England was poised to enter the world
Early English Settlements Economic conditions in England Joint Stock company
Jamestown Virginia Stock Company Charter Early Problems (Indian attacks, famine, disease) Captain John Smith Economic prosperity A required labor force (1619) Becoming a royal colony (1624)
Puritan Colonies Religious motivation led to other colonies English Protestants (Calvinists) Increasing religious disagreements / a threat to authority
Plymouth Colony Separatists To Holland they go Sights on Virginia! 1620, 100 passengers 65 days at sea Early troubles Success (William Bradford)
Massachusetts Bay Colony New king. New policies A new royal charter 1630, 900 set sail under john Winthrop The Great Migration
Early Political Institutions Majority Rule in Plymouth Representative government in Jamestown Representative government in Massachusetts Limited nature of democracy