A. The Rise of Colonialism

The rise of colonialism in North America began in the early sixteenth century when cartography reawakened after years of stagnation allowing for the exploration of New World. (Goucher, LeGuin, and Walton, 1998). Opening up an exciting new adventure for Europeans who were seeking economic gain and religious freedom from Europe. The first colonists sailed to the Atlantic seaboard in 1584, giving them the opportunity to explore the New World and establish their own colonies (Annenberg Learner,2013b). The consequence from this first undertaking of colonization dissipated without a trace in1590 and was dubbed, The Lost Colony of Roanoke (Annenberg Learner, 2013b). Seventeen years later, in 1607, Captain Christopher Newport would sail the Atlantic ocean landing on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and establishing Jamestown on May 13,1607 (Annenberg Learner, 2103b). Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in North America and the inauguration of colonization in North America ( Annenberg Learner, 2013b). Although the colony of Jamestown began to decline, new colonist still arrived yearly, nearly 80 percent of them died over the next three years, a result of starvation and attacks from the Indians (Annenberg Learner, 2103b). Captain Newport left Jamestown and Captain John Smith, a dictator, was placed in charge of the colony. In order for the colony of Jamestown to prosper, Captain Smith gave the settlers an ultimatum, to work or starve. The colonist chose work, and by 1611 tobacco became the main financial support of Jamestown ( Annenberg Learner, 2013b). John Rolfe proceeds to introduce the tobacco to King James I in Europe and trade begins in England (Goucher, LeGuin, and Walton, 1998). The success of Jamestown brings over 200,000 Europeans to the English colonies by the 1700s, further establishing the rise of colonialism