Write a research paper on the Colonizing North America.Colonizing North AmericaInstructionsThis homework has fourparts, each of which contains a question or set of questions. For some issues, you will be prompted to read an additional source, which you will be able to find in theModule 1Resources page on Canvas. If you are unsure how to answer, or if you do not completely understand the text to which a question refers, do not worry –the important thing is that you make an effort to understand the reading and answer the question(s). Your grade for the homework does not depend on a “right” answer. Rather, providing complete answers to all the questions and making clear use of all readings/sources as required (and following all instructions). The objective is to prompt you to think critically about what you are reading and the issues that the readings raise. The weekly debrief and lecture will address the homework questionsand topics.Before beginning the homework, read textbook pages 35-43 (the beginning of Chapter Two to “The Enterprise in Virginia”).You will be prompted to read additionalpages as you make your way through the homework. Part I begins on Page 2
2Part I: The Chesapeake(Scenariosand Primary Source)Issue #1: Investing in the Virginia CompanyThe year is 1607, and you are a merchant in London. The VirginiaCompany has received a charter (government permission) from King James I of England to set up a colony and make money from the riches of North America in an area called “Virginia,” north of Spanish colonies and south of Frenchcolonies. The company’s directors are selling shares in the Virginia Company. People who buy shares become part-owners of the company who make (or lose) money as the company does.Now that peace has been established between Spain and England, it is a good time to try new ventures. There is not a significant threat from Spain (there still is some raiding going on between the two countries, but not outright war), so a colony would be free to make money in peace. There are many investment opportunities available to London merchants, including investing in colonies in Africa, the West Indies, and America. Merchants can also put their money in trade with the Ottoman Empire (Muslims). The Virginia Company directors are arguing that an investment in Virginia will be more profitable for you than these other investments, due to its great resources and location.Richard Hakluyt, an English adventurer who has pushed for colonization with the queen for many years, argued in his Discourse on Western Planting that English settlements in America will bring wealth to investors and the country. He stated, “that this westernvoyage will yelde unto us all the commodities of Europe, Africa, and Asia, as far as wee were wonte to travel, and supply the wants of all our decayed trades.” America is rich in wood, pitch, tar, wine, silk, fruits, sugar, salt, and many other resources. It is true that the native population in Virginia drove the Spanish out of a settlement there about a decade ago. However, the Spanish are known for their cruelty to the natives, while the English, according to Virginia Company officer Robert Johnson, will be welcomed as friends once the English apply the “faire and loving means suting [fitting] to our English Natures.”
3Stockholders will begin sharing in the land, minerals, and profits of the company seven years after the company begins in proportion to the size of their investment. In addition, stockholders will receive land in Virginia at that point. The directors say the company will make money from the great abundance of raw materials in America, including gold, trees for lumber, and land for growing crops. Moreover, the company might find a passage through America to China, which would be a great source of wealth. It’s a wide-open opportunity for investors.Question: Will you invest in the Virginia Company? Explainin 2-3 sentences.In making your decision, you should consider the following questions and answers:1.What is the situation with England’s rivals, especially Spain and France, in terms of colonies and political power?The Spanish have very profitable colonies in the Americas, mainly from gold and silver from Mexico and Peru. The Spanishtransport the gold back to their country, which has made many Spaniards very rich. Theseriches from their colonies have also made Spain one of the most powerful countries in the world. The Portuguesehave also prospered from their colony in Brazil. Meanwhile, the French have extensive colonies in the New World, where they make a healthy profit from the fur trade they carry on with Native Americans. 2.How well have previous English colonial ventures turned out?For the English, colonial ventures in America have all been failures. They’ve all been abandoned with the loss of many or most of the colonists as well as the money invested. One of the famous colonies is Roanoke, which seems to have disappeared entirely. No one is sure what happened to the Roanoke colonists.However, other joint-stock ventures such as the Muscovy Company in Russia, the Levantine Company in the Middle East, and the East India Company in the Far East, have had some success. Why not in America?3.Who are the colonists to be in the venture?The colonists will be young males whoare either rich gentlemen looking for adventure, or poor people looking for opportunity. Many of the gentlemen are shopping to make a quick profit by finding gold. Neither the gentlemen nor the poor have much experience with physical work: The gentlemen have privilege, so they are not supposed to do physical labor. Most of the poor were beggars and thieves. There will not be much of a middle class, since this is a dangerous venture and those in the middle class have too much to lose. 4.How will the colony be run? Who will own the land? Who will make decisions?
4Economically, the company will own the land. The colonists will work on the land for the good of the company and for the colony in general. The company is to be run by a royal council in London, made up of 13 members appointed by the King of England. The colony itself will be run by local councils who will carry out the instructions of the royal council. Before moving on to Issue #2, read textbook pages 43-48 (“The Enterprise of Virginia” to “Plantations and Bond Servants”)Issue#2: Indentured ServantsThe year is 1619 and you are a poor and unemployed resident of London, England. Theareawhere you live is dirty, and the crimerate is high. You and many people in your area of London are often beggars. Your prospects of finding work are slim, as England has experienced a population explosion in the past half century. Even if you could find work, the wages would be less than your costs for food, clothing, and shelter. The influx of gold and silver from the Americas in the past century has resulted in a “price revolution” –in other words, high inflation. A century ago someone in your positionmight have been able to eke out a meager existence working one of the vast estates owned by the English gentry class –but this is no longer an option, as large landowners–in search of profits –are kicking peasants off of their lands, fencing in their fields, and putting sheep to graze there. However, there might be a way out of poverty. If you become an indentured servant in the Virginia colony, you’ll have to work for someone else for a period of time (usually between four and seven years, depending on the contract) in exchange for the cost of sailing to America (which is about one year’s wages). After you serve your time, you will be free and are promised a good chance at obtaining land (something that would be impossible for someone of your station in England). About ten years ago Robert Johnson, an original official in the Virginia Company, wrote a piece called Nova Britannia in which he described the abundant land and minerals in Virginia. He also claims that the harbors are excellent,and the climate is agreeable, much warmer than in England. However, you have also heard of the troubles the colony has experienced since its founding –problems that seem to belie Johnson’s rosy assessment. There are clearly many risks in involved –including death.Question: Will you become an indentured servant for the Virginia Company? Explain(1-3 sentences).Before moving on to Issue #3, read textbook pages 48-50 (“Plantations and Bond Servants” to “Stabilizing the Chesapeake”)
