Women

Starting in 1608, women began arriving in Jamestown, where many could achieve a status and freedom unheard of in England.

Episode #19 - 1:04 - 6.29 MB - .mp4

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The Voyage

Three small ships sailed from England to establish a colony in Virginia, arriving in May 1607. Jamestown became America’s first permanent English settlement.

Episode #20 - 1:04 - 6.35 MB - .mp4

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Slavery

Although slavery was not a prominent component of the early Jamestown settlement, the institution took root in Virginia with the growth of the tobacco industry and became a prototype for the other colonies.

Episode #21 - 1:04 - 6.27 MB - .mp4

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Representative Government

Shareholder discontent with martial law in the new colony prompted the creation of the “New Charter” which directly led to the first legislative assembly in the New World.

Episode #22- 1:04 - 6.35 MB - .mp4

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Profit Motive

Jamestown was founded primarily as a commercial investment by the shareholders of The Virginia Company. But the colony simply struggled to survive for many years. Tobacco eventually proved to be the “gold” of the region - although the original Jamestown investors never did reap their own hoped-for returns.

Episode #23 - 1:04 - 6.21 MB - .mp4

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Powhatans Trade

Trade between the Jamestown settlers and the Powhatan Indians became increasingly important.  The English relied on the Indians for food and information, while the Powhatan found English copper and metal tools desireable.

Episode #24 - 1:04 - 6.22 MB - .mp4

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