In this Grade 5 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, students explore why England sought to colonize North America, examining key concepts such as royal charters, the Protestant Reformation, and England's rivalry with Spain. The lesson traces the failed attempts to establish English settlements, including the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Students analyze primary sources and historical evidence to understand the challenges early colonists faced in Virginia and North Carolina.
Section 1
England Challenges Spain for Power
During the 1500s, Spain grew rich and powerful from its colonies in the Americas. England saw this and wanted its own share of wealth and land. This created a great rivalry between the two nations.
The rivalry was also about religion. Spain was a Catholic country, and England was a Protestant country.
Section 2
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony
England tried to build its first permanent settlement in North America on Roanoke Island in 1585. But the first group of settlers struggled with a lack of supplies and conflict with native peoples, so they soon returned home.
A second group of colonists arrived a few years later (1587). Their leader sailed back to England for more supplies, but a war delayed his return.
Section 3
Investors Fund the Jamestown Colony
After Roanoke failed, England still wanted a colony in North America. Starting a colony was very expensive, so a group of businessmen formed the Virginia Company. This business model allowed them to pool their money together to pay for the difficult and risky journey.
Many investors gave money to the company. They hoped the colonists would find gold and other valuable resources. If the colony was successful, the investors would share the profit. This business plan led to the founding of Jamestown in 1607.
Section 4
Surviving in Jamestown: Key Leaders and a Cash Crop
In Jamestown's difficult early years, strong leadership was needed for survival. John Smith took charge and made a rule: if you don't work, you don't eat. This policy helped the struggling colonists build a stronger settlement and find food.
The relationship with the Powhatan people was also key. Pocahontas, a Powhatan woman, acted as a bridge between her people and the English.
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Section 1
England Challenges Spain for Power
During the 1500s, Spain grew rich and powerful from its colonies in the Americas. England saw this and wanted its own share of wealth and land. This created a great rivalry between the two nations.
The rivalry was also about religion. Spain was a Catholic country, and England was a Protestant country.
Section 2
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony
England tried to build its first permanent settlement in North America on Roanoke Island in 1585. But the first group of settlers struggled with a lack of supplies and conflict with native peoples, so they soon returned home.
A second group of colonists arrived a few years later (1587). Their leader sailed back to England for more supplies, but a war delayed his return.
Section 3
Investors Fund the Jamestown Colony
After Roanoke failed, England still wanted a colony in North America. Starting a colony was very expensive, so a group of businessmen formed the Virginia Company. This business model allowed them to pool their money together to pay for the difficult and risky journey.
Many investors gave money to the company. They hoped the colonists would find gold and other valuable resources. If the colony was successful, the investors would share the profit. This business plan led to the founding of Jamestown in 1607.
Section 4
Surviving in Jamestown: Key Leaders and a Cash Crop
In Jamestown's difficult early years, strong leadership was needed for survival. John Smith took charge and made a rule: if you don't work, you don't eat. This policy helped the struggling colonists build a stronger settlement and find food.
The relationship with the Powhatan people was also key. Pocahontas, a Powhatan woman, acted as a bridge between her people and the English.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter