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Unit 2: Colonization
Unit 2: Colonization
Lesson: James Oglethorpe & Georgia
Lesson: James Oglethorpe & Georgia
8.07 Explain the reasons behind the settlement of the Georgia Colony, including: its designation as a “debtor” colony, its function as a “buffer” colony, and the role of James Oglethorpe in its founding.
8.07 Explain the reasons behind the settlement of the Georgia Colony, including: its designation as a “debtor” colony, its function as a “buffer” colony, and the role of James Oglethorpe in its founding.
James Oglethorpe forms Georgia
James Oglethorpe forms Georgia
OGLETHORPE LEADS THE WAY
OGLETHORPE LEADS THE WAY
The story of the Georgia Colony begins with James Oglethorpe and thousands of jailed debtors. As a member of England’s Parliament, Oglethorpe witnessed the terrible conditions people suffered while in prison for not paying their debts. A debt is something, usually money, that was borrowed and has to be repaid.
Oglethorpe sought reform for the system. When you reform something, you make changes to improve it. His solution was to establish a new colony in America for debtors, so they could have a fresh start. The King, however, had other plans.
Oglethorpe and a group of men asked the King for a charter to start a new colony in America. The new settlement would be called Georgia in honor of the King of England, King George II. The King agreed, but he wanted the colony to help England economically and serve as a buffer or protection for the South Carolina colony from the Spanish in Florida. A buffer is something put in place to protect something else.
In June 1732, King George II granted a charter for the new Colony of Georgia. In the charter, the King named Oglethorpe as one of trustees that was in charge governing the colony. The King outlined three things he wanted to accomplish with the new colony: Philanthropy, Economics, & Defense.
Philanthropy: Poor and unemployed people that applied, could go to the new Georgia Colony where they would have a fresh start.
Economics: The new colony produced cash crops that were sent back to England to make a profit.
Defense: Georgia would protect South Carolina from the Spanish at no cost to the British government.
ON TO GEORGIA
ON TO GEORGIA
As it turned out, none of the first colonists were debtors. James Oglethorpe selected trades people, merchants, and military personnel so the colony could fulfill the King's wishes. In 1733, Oglethorpe and his settlers reached America. They selected a high bluff overlooking the Savannah River that was suitable for farming. There were Native American indians nearby, but the settlers and Indians had peaceful relations. The Indians allowed Oglethorpe and his people to live on the land. From the high bluff, Oglethorpe began making plans for the new city of Savannah.
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