In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine why England sought colonies in North America and trace the founding of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607, including the hardships colonists faced from disease, poor leadership, and food shortages. Students also explore how the Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony and relied on figures like Squanto and representative government to survive, contrasting the purposes and conditions of these early settlements.
Section 1
England Establishes Colonies for Economic Gain
England sought North American colonies to create new markets for products and obtain raw materials like furs, lumber, and tobacco. The Virginia Company formed in 1607 to pursue these economic opportunities.
Section 2
Jamestown Settlers Overcome Harsh Challenges
Jamestown colonists faced disease, starvation, and poor leadership until John Smith established strict rules. The colony eventually prospered by growing tobacco, which provided a sustainable source of income.
Section 3
Pilgrims Create Self-Government Through the Mayflower Compact
In 1620, religious Separatists called Pilgrims sailed to North America. Before landing in Plymouth, 41 men signed the Mayflower Compact, establishing elected officials and a government with "just and equal laws."
Section 4
Native Americans Help Colonists Survive
Early colonists relied heavily on Native Americans for survival. In Jamestown, Chief Powhatan provided food, while in Plymouth, Squanto taught settlers to plant corn, beans, and pumpkins, leading to the first Thanksgiving.
Section 5
Colonists Develop Representative Government Systems
English colonies established early democratic practices. Virginia's House of Burgesses began in 1619 as the first representative assembly, while the Mayflower Compact created a framework for self-governance in Plymouth.
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Section 1
England Establishes Colonies for Economic Gain
England sought North American colonies to create new markets for products and obtain raw materials like furs, lumber, and tobacco. The Virginia Company formed in 1607 to pursue these economic opportunities.
Section 2
Jamestown Settlers Overcome Harsh Challenges
Jamestown colonists faced disease, starvation, and poor leadership until John Smith established strict rules. The colony eventually prospered by growing tobacco, which provided a sustainable source of income.
Section 3
Pilgrims Create Self-Government Through the Mayflower Compact
In 1620, religious Separatists called Pilgrims sailed to North America. Before landing in Plymouth, 41 men signed the Mayflower Compact, establishing elected officials and a government with "just and equal laws."
Section 4
Native Americans Help Colonists Survive
Early colonists relied heavily on Native Americans for survival. In Jamestown, Chief Powhatan provided food, while in Plymouth, Squanto taught settlers to plant corn, beans, and pumpkins, leading to the first Thanksgiving.
Section 5
Colonists Develop Representative Government Systems
English colonies established early democratic practices. Virginia's House of Burgesses began in 1619 as the first representative assembly, while the Mayflower Compact created a framework for self-governance in Plymouth.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter