Unit 1Colonialization to

Constitution

Day 1: The Origins of Colonialization

September 10, 2013 Agenda

Today we will answer the following questions….

1.Why did the early colonies fail?

2.What lessons did the colonists learn from the early colonists to make Plymouth a success?

3.What makes a successful colony?

Early Colonial Experiments

1. Roanoke - 1585• British king granted a charter to establish a

colony in the Americas.• Reasons to settle:

• Needed an American base to attack Spanish ships and cities

• Needed supply stations for trading ships• New markets • Homeland becoming too crowded

• Disaster: the settlers abandoned the colony and returned home

Early Colonial Experiments

2. Jamestown - 1607• About 100 colonists were sent to Virginia to start a new

colony.• Reasons for near-failure

• Settlers not used to doing hard work and had come to get rich quick

• The site for the colony was a swamp with disease infested mosquitoes

• Poor leadership – argued about even minor issues• In 1609, the colony reorganized.

• A governor was appointed by the king• Created the House of Burgesses: a legislature made

up of representatives from the colony to make laws

Early Colonial Experiments

3. Plymouth Colony – 1620• Established by a group of Separatists – those

who left the Church of England – looking for a place to be free to worship

• Learning from Jamestown – they wrote the Mayflower Compact before leaving the boat• The Compact was an agreement to obey all of

their government’s laws.• Succeeded in keeping them together• Most successful example of self-government

GROUP TIME…

ACTIVITY: IN YOUR GROUPS, DISCUSS WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL

COLONY?

WRITE YOUR ANSWERS ON THE BACK OF YOUR NOTESHEET.

Mercantilism

The Purpose of Mercantilism is for a mother nation to collect as much gold as possible. By creating colonies, nations expand their

ability to make money. Colonies exist for the benefit of the mother

country. The American colonies served as a source

of raw materials and trading markets for Great Britain.

Triangular Trade

Once the colonies were established, Great Britain began to develop trade routes.

Triangular Trade: trade between American, Europe and Africa

America: raw materials

Europe: finished goods

Africa: African slaves

French and Indian War

First land war in America lasted until 1763 Fought between colonists/British and

French/Indian allies Colonists led by George Washington

Ended with the Treaty of Paris France gave up Canada and all land east of

Mississippi River France kept New Orleans

Paying for the War

The French and Indian War was costly to Great Britain Great financial burden on Great Britain Britain lost the respect of the American

Colonists British did not defeat the French easily. Colonists saw the weaknesses of the British

military.

Changing British Policies

In 1760, Britain got a new King – George III.

With the new king came the end to salutary neglect Designed a plan to repay the debt caused

by the French and Indian War Included new taxes and fees to raise

money

End of Colonialization

By 1774, the colonists has had enough of British rule

They began to question whether Britain should be able to rule them without their representation in Parliament “No Taxation without Representation” The colonists adopted measures such as

British boycotts and a call to form militias and arm themselves.

Exit Questions

1. What lessons did the colonists learn from their early colonists to make Plymouth a success?

2. What is the purpose of Mercantilism?

3. Why did the British end their policy of salutary neglect?