Georgia Colony Established in 1732

Colonization Vocabulary Mercantilism- an economic policy in which a country exports more than it imports; colonies are expected to supply raw materials to the mother country. Trustee- a person who holds responsibility and acts on behalf of others. Charter- legal document that grants special rights and sets up rules under which something operates. Militia- a force of citizen-soldiers

Oglethorpe Background Information : A man with a mission From an influential family Educated and wealthy Philanthropic- wanted to help others Became committed to prison reform after his dear friend, Robert Castell, died in debtor’s prison after contracting smallpox Oglethorpe and 20 others outlined a plan that would allow debtors a fresh start in the New World

1. Describe the location of the newly intended settlement. South part of the Carolinas south and west of the Savannah River.

2. Reasons for Establishment charity, defense, and economy What groups would benefit from the charity of the Georgia colony? Deserving poor Europeans persecuted for being Protestant Who was the colony intended to protect, and from what three groups? South Carolina from… Spanish in Florida The French on Gulf Coast/New Orleans Indian allies of both

2. Reasons for Establishment charity, defense, and economy How was Georgia intended to support England’s policy of mercantilism? What was expected that Georgia would be able to produce? It was believed that Georgia’s climate could grow plants that England could not, contributing to mercantilism Mulberry Trees = Silk Grapes = Wine Olives = Olive Oil

3. What was the motto? Not for self, but for others

4. What land was granted to the trust? Land between Altamaha and Savannah Rivers West to the Pacific Ocean

5. How did Georgia get its name? In honor of King George How long would the trust be in charge of the colony? 21 years or until 1753

7. The role of the Trustees What were the trustees given full authority to do? What restrictions were placed on the trustees? Establish rules and regulations Establish courts Military defense Raise money for charity Grant land Laws must be approved by King Couldn’t make a profit in any way No money for service Could get no land Governors must be approved by King How did they govern the colony and why? Made 3 laws, used regulations and policies to govern, and no governor was appointed to get around getting the King’s approval

9. Describe the difference in land distribution Charity colonist = 50 acres and tools and year’s supply of food Paying Colonists = 500 acres, but must have a male (servant or relative) for every 50 acres. What were the rules for women and land ownership? The trust wanted a male who could serve in the militia to live on every 50 acres of land, therefore a woman was not able to own or inherit land. This also prevented male settlers from marrying women who had inherited land and building up large plantation style farms.

11. What other rules/restrictions were in place for owning land? Male citizens had to be prepared to serve in the militia Couldn’t sell, rent or borrow against land Required to plant mulberry trees No one could own more than 500 acres Must have a male for every 50 acres When looking at potential colonists, how did they define “poor and deserving?” Poor for reasons beyond their control

13. What role would women serve in the new colony? To support the trustee’s goal to colonize Georgia with families Maintain households Maintain stability Produce silk to contribute to the income of the households 14. Who was the only trustee to come to the Georgia colony? James Oglethorpe

Savannah: The First Settlement They arrived January 1733 aboard The Ann 16. Oglethorpe chose Yamacraw Bluff because its high ground would give them a defensive advantage 17. Tomichi, the leader of the Yamacraw, granted Oglethorpe the coast of Savannah to the Altamaha 18. Bi-racial trade post owners John and Mary Musgrove served as interpreters for Oglethorpe and the natives

19. Savannah was to have FOUR squares 20 lots (60x90) on the north and south On the East and West were FOUR larger lots for churches or stores. Squares were divided into squares called ward The center of each square was for social, political and religious gatherings. 21 of Oglethorpe’s original 24 blocks remain today.

How do we know what happened upon arrival? Peter Gordon, an upholsterer by trade, kept a journal describing the crossing of the Atlantic on the Ann and provided us the earliest view of the layout of Savannah.

20. What challenges did colonist face in early life in Georgia? Heat and humidity Alligators and snakes Bugs Waterborne illnesses Many of the colonists including the doctor died from fever

22. What public buildings were constructed? Courthouse Church Storehouse Mill Public oven

22Who was not allowed in the new colony? Lawyers- they wanted colonists to solve their own problems, so they had to defend themselves in town court. No Catholics: the colony granted free exercise of religion to all but Catholics. The nearness of Spanish Catholics in Florida made allowing Catholics in the colony undesirable. No liquor dealers: liquor would cause idleness. Slaves: The trustees wanted to prohibit slavery in the new colony, therefore people of color were initially not permitted. How were colonists punished for disturbing the harmony? Pillory Whippings