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:

1675-1676 King Philip’s War over land disputes with Native Americans

Salem Witchcraft Trials

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