Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 8Chapter 2: Colonial America

Lesson 1: Roanoke and Jamestown

Grade 8 students explore England's earliest attempts to establish colonies in North America, examining the failed Roanoke settlements of 1585 and 1587 and the enduring mystery of the lost colonists who disappeared, leaving only the word "Croatoan" carved on a tree. This lesson is part of Chapter 2: Colonial America in IMPACT California Social Studies and asks students to analyze how geographic challenges, conflicts with Spain, and supply difficulties contributed to the collapse of early English settlements.

Section 1

England Seeks Power and Profit in America

Key Idea

In the late 1500s, England watched as its rival, Spain, grew incredibly wealthy from its colonies in the Americas. Eager to compete for power and resources, English leaders and merchants began looking for ways to establish their own colonies in North America. They hoped to find gold, create a base to attack Spanish ships, and claim new lands for England.

The English government promoted an economic policy of mercantilism, which stated that colonies should exist to make the home country wealthy and powerful. To fund the expensive and risky task of starting a colony, merchants formed a joint-stock company. These companies allowed multiple investors to pool their money together, sharing the risks and any potential profits from the venture. This model provided the financial backing for the Jamestown settlement.

Section 2

England's First Colony Disappears

Key Idea

In the 1580s, England challenged Spain’s power by attempting to build a permanent settlement in North America. Sir Walter Raleigh sponsored an expedition that established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of modern-day North Carolina.

The colony's leader returned to England for supplies but was delayed by war. When he finally came back three years later, the settlement was deserted. The colonists had vanished, leaving behind only a mysterious clue. This failed settlement became known as the Lost Colony, a cautionary tale for future English settlers.

Section 3

The Virginia Company Establishes Jamestown

Key Idea

After Roanoke, England’s next attempt at colonization was funded by the Virginia Company. This was a joint-stock company, meaning private investors pooled their money to pay for the expedition. These investors expected to make a profit from their investment.

In 1607, the company sent settlers to North America, where they established the Jamestown colony. The colonists' main goal was to find gold and other valuable resources. This would create wealth for the company and its shareholders back in England.

Section 4

Jamestown Overcomes Hardship

Key Idea

The Jamestown settlement nearly failed. Colonists were unprepared for the harsh environment, leading to widespread disease and hunger. This desperate period became known as "the starving time," and the colony was on the verge of collapse due to conflict and a lack of food.

The colony survived thanks to key changes. The strict leadership of Captain John Smith forced settlers to work and farm. Then, John Rolfe introduced a new type of tobacco that grew well in Virginia's soil. This valuable cash crop saved the colony's economy, encouraging more English settlers to come to Virginia.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

England Seeks Power and Profit in America

Key Idea

In the late 1500s, England watched as its rival, Spain, grew incredibly wealthy from its colonies in the Americas. Eager to compete for power and resources, English leaders and merchants began looking for ways to establish their own colonies in North America. They hoped to find gold, create a base to attack Spanish ships, and claim new lands for England.

The English government promoted an economic policy of mercantilism, which stated that colonies should exist to make the home country wealthy and powerful. To fund the expensive and risky task of starting a colony, merchants formed a joint-stock company. These companies allowed multiple investors to pool their money together, sharing the risks and any potential profits from the venture. This model provided the financial backing for the Jamestown settlement.

Section 2

England's First Colony Disappears

Key Idea

In the 1580s, England challenged Spain’s power by attempting to build a permanent settlement in North America. Sir Walter Raleigh sponsored an expedition that established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of modern-day North Carolina.

The colony's leader returned to England for supplies but was delayed by war. When he finally came back three years later, the settlement was deserted. The colonists had vanished, leaving behind only a mysterious clue. This failed settlement became known as the Lost Colony, a cautionary tale for future English settlers.

Section 3

The Virginia Company Establishes Jamestown

Key Idea

After Roanoke, England’s next attempt at colonization was funded by the Virginia Company. This was a joint-stock company, meaning private investors pooled their money to pay for the expedition. These investors expected to make a profit from their investment.

In 1607, the company sent settlers to North America, where they established the Jamestown colony. The colonists' main goal was to find gold and other valuable resources. This would create wealth for the company and its shareholders back in England.

Section 4

Jamestown Overcomes Hardship

Key Idea

The Jamestown settlement nearly failed. Colonists were unprepared for the harsh environment, leading to widespread disease and hunger. This desperate period became known as "the starving time," and the colony was on the verge of collapse due to conflict and a lack of food.

The colony survived thanks to key changes. The strict leadership of Captain John Smith forced settlers to work and farm. Then, John Rolfe introduced a new type of tobacco that grew well in Virginia's soil. This valuable cash crop saved the colony's economy, encouraging more English settlers to come to Virginia.