VS.3a    Jamestown- Reasons for Colonization
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
a) explaining the reasons for English colonization.

What were the reasons for English colonization in America?

Reasons for English colonization in America
 •           Some European countries, including England, were in competition to increase their wealth and power by expanding their empires to America.

•           England wanted to establish an American colony to increase her wealth and power.

•           England hoped to find silver and gold in America.

•           An American settlement would furnish raw materials that could not be grown or obtained in England, while opening new markets for trade.

What were the reasons why the  Jamestown settlers came to America?

•          The first permanent English settlement in America was Jamestown, founded in 1607 as an economic venture.     
 Jamestown

•           Jamestown was primarily an economic venture.

•           The stockholders of the Virginia Company of London financed the settlement of Jamestown.

•           Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607. 

VS.3b   Jamestown - Geography and Location
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
b) describing how geography influenced the decision to settle at Jamestown.

Where is Jamestown located?
When the settlers arrived in 1607, Jamestown was located on a narrow peninsula bordered on three sides by the James River.  Today, Jamestown is located on an island in the James River.

Why did the settlers choose the site at Jamestown?  

Reasons for site choice

•           The location could be easily defended from attack by sea (Spanish).

•           The water along the shore was deep enough for ships to dock.

•           They believed they had a good supply of fresh water. 

VS.3c  Importance of the Charters of the Virginia Company

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
c) identifying the importance of the charters of the Virginia Company of London in establishing the Jamestown settlement.

What was the importance of the charters of the Virginia Company of London to the Jamestown  settlement?

Importance of Virginia charters

The King of England granted charters to the Virginia Company of London.

•           The charters gave the Virginia Company the right to establish a settlement in North America.

•           The first charter of the Virginia Company of London established companies to begin colonies  in the New World.

•           The charters extended English rights to the colonists

VS.3d   Virginia Assembly (1619) -First Representative Legislative Body
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
d) identifying the importance of the Virginia Assembly (1619) as the first representative legislative body in English America.

What was this system of government called?

As Jamestown grew, the system of government evolved.

System of government
•           In 1619, the governor of Virginia called a meeting of the Virginia Assembly.  The Assembly included two citizen representatives (called “burgesses”) from each of the divisions of Virginia, the governor’s council, and the governor. (At that time, only adult men were considered citizens.)
•           By the 1640s, the burgesses became a separate legislative body, called the Virginia House of Burgesses.

What was the Virginia House of Burgesses, and why was it important?

Virginia House of Burgesses

•           The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative body in America giving settlers the opportunity to control their own government.

•           It became the General Assembly of Virginia, which continues to this day.

VS.3e  Arrival of Africans and Women

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
e) identifying the importance of the arrival of Africans and women to the Jamestown settlement.

What was the impact of the arrival of women on the Jamestown settlement?
•           Jamestown became a more diverse colony by 1620.
The arrival of women in 1620 made it possible for the settlers to establish families and a more permanent settlement at Jamestown.

What was the impact of the arrival of Africans on the Jamestown settlement?
•          Africans arrived in Jamestown against their will.  It is believed that they arrived as baptized Christians and therefore were labeled indentured servants for a period of 5 to 7 years.
•           The arrival of Africans made it possible to expand the tobacco economy. 

VS.3f    Hardships at Jamestown

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
f) describing the hardships faced by settlers at Jamestown and the changes that took place to ensure survival.

What hardships did the Jamestown settlers face?     

The English colonists found life in Jamestown harder than they had expected.

Hardships faced by the settlers

•           The site they chose to live on was marshy and lacked safe drinking water.

•           The settlers lacked some skills necessary to provide for themselves.

•           Many settlers died of starvation and disease.

What changes took place to ensure survival?

Changes that ensured survival

•           The arrival of two supply ships, the forced work program and strong leadership of Captain John Smith, and the emphasis on self-sustaining agriculture ensured survival of the colony.

VS.3g    Powhatans and Settlers – Friendly Relationship  becomes a Hostile Relationship

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by
g) describing the interactions between the English settlers and the Powhatan people, including the contributions of the Powhatans to the survival of the settlers.

How did the Powhatan people and the English settlers interact?

The Powhatan people contributed to the survival of the Jamestown settlers in several ways.
•          Captain John Smith initiated trading relationships with the Powhatans.
•          The Powhatan people and the English settlers at Jamestown established trading relationships and for a while had positive interactions.
•          The Powhatans traded food, furs, and leather with the English in exchange for tools, pots, guns, and other goods.

•           Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, believed the English and American Indians (First Americans) could live in harmony.

•           Pocahontas began a friendship with the colonists that helped them survive.

•           The Powhatans introduced new crops to the English, including corn and tobacco.

Why did the relationship between the Jamestown settlers and the Powhatans change?

The Powhatan people realized the English settlement would continue to grow.

•           The Powhatans saw the colonists as invaders that would take over their land.