Colonial Comparison Jamestown 1607
Who? Why? English colonists Sponsored by Virginia Company Wanted profitable colony
Leaders Captain John Smith John Rolfe
Problems swamps, mosquitoes harsh climate slow to work “starving time”
Successes J. Smith makes colonists work J. Smith established trade with Powhatan tribe Powhatans teach planting, fishing, hunting
Problems colonists stealing food, taking land trade with Powhatans broke down
Successes J. Rolfe married Pocahontas; temporary peace developed high-grade tobacco Tobacco grew well, became popular in England
Problems colonists take more land for tobacco 1622 Powhatans attack, kill hundreds of colonists 1676 Bacon’s Rebellion Bacon led landless frontier farmers Wanted government to help fight native Americans to get more land
Plymouth Colony 1620
Who? Why? Pilgrims Sponsored by Virginia Company Fled religious persecution in England by moving to Holland Unhappy with cultural differences there
Leader William Bradford
Hardships and Problems: Starving time Winter weather Disease half colonists dead by spring Stole food from native Americans
Successes: Landed outside Virginia, so wrote Mayflower Compact Took responsibility for organizing themselves Agreed upon general rules
Successes: Native Americans, Samoset and Squanto: taught Pilgrims how to grow food Helped make peace with local Chief Massasoit Trade with Native Americans First Thanksgiving: temporary peace [Notice menu, p. 94!]
Problems: Increasing conflict with Native Americans over land
Massachusetts Bay Colony 1630
Who? Why? Puritans from England Sponsored by Massachusetts Bay Company Escaping bad treatment for trying to purify Church of England
Leader John Winthrop: “For we must consider that we shall be as a City upon a Hill, the eyes of all people are on us.”
Successes: Large, well-prepared group No “starving time” Goal: set example for others “as a City upon a Hill…” Well-organized community centered on church practices New England Way: work hard, be honest, do your duty
Successes: Strong self-government: Town meetings Elected representatives Required all children to learn to read so all could study Bible
Problems: Strict work ethic scorned dancing, games, other amusements Only church members could vote Only the “elect” could be leaders Some challenged church leaders Roger Williams Anne Hutchinson
Problems: King Philip’s War over land disputes with Native Americans Salem Witchcraft Trials