Georgia’s Beginnings The Making of a Royal Colony

Georgia’s Beginnings The Makings of a Royal Colony

Of the 13 original colonies, Georgia was the youngest. It was unique, for its original intention was to be a settlement for released debtors in need for work and a place to live. Georgia’s beginnings is a fascinating one, so let its history unfold as you read the pages below.

Directions: This story is interactive; you will be using this booklet, along with a handout to complete this assignment, so make sure you follow directions carefully!

Georgia was explored long ago…..

Do you like adventure? If so, maybe you would have traveled with the many explorers hundreds of years ago, as they journeyed to unknown lands. Many explorers are famous now, such as Christopher Columbus for discovering Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and Juan Ponce de Leon, who landed in St. Augustine, Florida. Many countries, like Portugal, England, and France, raced to the New World. Do you know what European explorer first reached Georgia? If you said Hernando De Soto, you would be correct! He found the mighty Mississippi River and was even buried there!

What could have motivated the explorers to risk their lives as they sailed across the seas? It was for gold, glory, and the spread of Christianity. Spain set up Spanish missions to try to convert the Indians to Christianity. Many of these missions were located along the Barrier Islands and the interior of Georgia, but the missions didn’t last long due to disease and attacks by the British, as well as Indian uprisings.

Let’s turn our attention to land territories. Spain had accumulated quite a bit of land, from the St. Lawrence River to the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, to the Gulf of Mexico. But England also had become quite successful in forming colonies along America’s eastern coast – 12 to be exact. First, study this map. Find the territories of France, Spain, and Great Britain. You should conclude that both France and Spain controlled vast amounts of territory in the New World. Page 2 of 11

Georgia Begins

The year was 1732. England was now one of the most powerful and richest countries in the world! It had many things to be proud of; its literacy rates were improving and towns bustled with economic activity. But, look closer, what do you see in the picture? Do you see how crowded the streets were? Due to its increasing population, the streets were very crowded. There were homeless Englishmen, beggars, and peasants who couldn’t find work. Prisons were crowded as people were thrown in jail for not paying their debts. Reflect for a moment. If you were the king of England, how would you help resolve England’s problem? Be prepared to discuss your answer in class.

There were people who wanted to help. James Oglethorpe, a member of the British Parliament, believed he had the answer! He was wealthy, and educated, but also cared deeply for those who were in trouble. Basing an idea from his experience with prison reform, he began to have a vision – a vision of a new colony in America, one that would welcome the poor and indebted (those who couldn’t pay their debts). Parliament must have agreed because a charter (a document) was granted, which gave Georgia the legal right to exist. How excited Oglethorpe must have been, for now he was heading to America to help form a colony south of the Carolina border, a colony that represented hope to those in need.

It was all set! The date was June 20, 1732. Georgia, named after King George II had its official charter. It would be a trustee colony, led by 20 distinguished Englishmen instead of just one leader. It would be governed by England, and the trustees would oversee the colony for 21 years. These men sure did seem committed to making Georgia successful. Now, on your handout, define the Charter of 1732, including how it was set us as a trustee colony.

Just think how unique Georgia would be! It would not even have a governor. Instead, the 20 trustees, including Oglethorpe, were in charge. That must have been some special group of men! Even though they could not own land, be given money for their work, or hold political office, they were still willing to leave England behind and travel to this new land. They knew they could not profit from the colony, but were only there to make it into a model society with no poverty, unemployment, or debtors who could not pay their bills! Reflect for a moment. What would be your idea of a model, perfect society? What would it look like? Explain on your handout.

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There were 3 main reasons for Georgia’s colony: To help relieve poverty and unemployment (charity) in England, to provide resources for England’s growing economy (economics), and to act as a buffer for South Carolina from Spanish attacks in Florida (defense). What do you think of this? Would it be difficult to start a colony using prisoners and the unemployed? On your handout, write down 1 pro and 1 con for using the poor and indebted to start a colony. Let’s not forget religion as another reason, for it also played a part in the founding of Georgia, as England thought it would a good place for persecuted Protestants to go, where they could worship as they pleased.

Let’s take a closer look at the Charter of 1732 for Georgia’s colony. It was a document that laid down the rules for living there. It would be controlled by King George II, James Oglethorpe, and 20 trustees. It included all land between Altamaha and Savannah Rivers to the South Seas (Pacific Ocean), to the Town of Savannah on Yamacraw Bluff. Let’s review the reasons why it was founded. It provided protection from Spanish, French, and Native Americans (defense). It also provided resources for Britain (economics) and a colony for the poor to live (charity). Great Britain practiced mercantilism, which meant it used its colonies to help grow the economy. This helped them export more products than they imported. Now, list the 3 reasons for the founding of Georgia, and then define Mercantilism.

I bet the trustees from England were very excited to start this adventure and to show England that it could be successful. Study this map. What modern day states were part of Georgia’s original charter boundaries? Record it on your handout.

Oglethorpe became the leader, and he is often referred to as the founder, even though he did not officially have the title. His dream was to form a colony for released debtors in prison, but it never came to be. Instead, 115 settlers were chosen for their skills needed in the colony, such as farmers, carpenters and bakers. They were given incentives such as 50 acres of land (500 acres if they paid their own way), one year’s supply of food, and agricultural supplies. No lawyers, blacks, liquor dealers, or Catholics could be a part of the colony. Guess who else was not included? Not one person from prison was one of the 114 settlers! I wonder what Oglethorpe thought of this? But, despite this fact, they headed toward America and arrived February, 1733. Based upon what you have read about Oglethorpe, how would you describe him? Using the correct box on your handout, define who he was, and then use 2 – 3 adjectives to describe his personality. Page 4 of 11

The new colonists must have been relieved to finally reach American soil. After stopping over at the Carolina colony, they then made their way to an area known as present day Savannah. This was the settlers’ new home! Look at this Georgia map to show where Savannah is located. On your own handout, write the location of Georgia’s colony.

You have just landed in a strange, new land. You don’t know anything about the territory. Besides finding shelter, what would you need to do in order to increase your chances of survival? If you befriended the Indians in the area, it would certainly help your chances, right? Oglethorpe knew this and made sure he became acquainted with them. The Indians in the Savannah region were known as Yamacraws. They were a branch of the Creek Indians. Their chief was Tomochichi. There were also fur traders that lived nearby, John Musgrove, a Carolina trader, and his wife, Mary. Mary was part Creek Indian! Now, Oglethorpe had an interpreter. Mary acted as the liaison, a Savannah Colony diplomat between the Creeks and the British colonists, and when Oglethorpe requested land for a colony, Tomochichi agreed, as he had become dependent on fur trading with the English living in the Carolina colony. He was kind to the colonists and allowed Oglethorpe to settle on “Yamacraw Bluff”, in present day Savannah. Describe John & Mary Musgrove, on your handout, including their importance to the colony.

Savannah would eventually become Georgia’s first capital city and it continues to play an important role in Georgia’s economic and political status even today!

I’m not sure the Georgia colony would have survived without Chief Tomochichi. He and Oglethorpe became good friends. Look at all of the things that the chief helped Oglethorpe accomplish:

Secured land between the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers Advised Oglethorpe on Indian affairs and relations with other tribes Helped fight against the Spanish in the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742 Accompanied Oglethorpe to England and was well liked

Reflect for a moment. Oglethorpe and Tomochichi became good friends. What do you think they had in common they made such a good relationship? Really think about this. Be prepared to discuss in class.

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Tomochichi was almost 90 when he died. He was an important part in the stability of the colony. On your handout, describe Tomochichi and how he helped Oglethorpe and the Georgia colony. Colonial Keep in mind that England was eager for Georgia to Agricultural

be established, for the products that colonies made Wine helped their economy. It allowed them to export more Rice products than they imported. Remember that this desire Indigo to increase their economy from colonial made products was called Silk Tobacco mercantilism. Products that could not be grown in England such as rice, indigo, wine, and silk, and later tobacco would be grown in Georgia. Colonists even planted mulberry trees for the silk worms to feed on. Unfortunately, these products were tough to grow on Georgia soil. On your handout, write down the products that the colonies hoped to produce. (WRIST)

Keep in mind that Georgia was created to be a model society and the trustees wanted to make sure Georgia was an example of a perfect colony. They all wanted Georgia to be successful and self-sufficient. To do this, they thought, would mean having certain rules to keep order. Read the list of rules laid out for the Mulberry Tree Georgia colony:

Colonists could not: o Own slaves o Drink rum (alcohol) o Allow lawyers or Catholics inside the colony o Sell their land o Pass land down to female heirs o Disobey trustees o Allow Jews to settle in colony (but Oglethorpe did anyway)

Do do you think these strict rules would benefit the colony and make it strong and stable? Explain your answer on your handout. There were, of course, those who complained. They were called malcontents. They were not happy at all about all of these rules, for they were wealthy and could afford to buy slaves and land. They had even paid their own way to Georgia, without any assistance, so they really did not have any loyalty to the trustees; they just wanted to make a good living. They organized a petition against the rules and gathered 121 signatures, but it didn’t change the minds of the trustees. The malcontents were so frustrated that by 1740, many of the leaders had already left the colony. Describe the malcontents on your handout.

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It was now December of 1735, and Georgia was really growing! More settlers were arriving from England. This time they settled in present day St. Simons Island and built a fort. Look at the map to locate St. Simons Island. Think about it. Why would the British need to build a fort in this region? What would the fort protect? Be prepared to discuss in class.

Over time, more British forts were built further south, which St. Simons Island really made the Spanish angry, for they claimed this land as well. Even though a temporary treaty was signed, tension was high between the England and Spain. What would happen? Would these two countries go to war? The Georgia Settlers

What would it take to make a colony successful? Certainly, you would need hardworking people. You have already read about the malcontents, who were eager to work and make a living, but the Salzburgers were hardworking and independent! They were German speaking protestant refugees from present day Austria who had been persecuted for their religion. King George II, being a German protestant himself, offered the group refuge in the new colony. They had stood up for what they believed in and now they were coming to Georgia to worship as they pleased. They must have been excited!

Where did the Salzburgers settle? It was a swampy area, too far inland to be successful, so with the permission of the trustees they moved to New Ebenezer along the Savannah River, an area closer to the coast, and there they became very productive, hardworking colonists. New Ebenezer was a religious community, and the church they founded, Jerusalem Lutheran Church, is still active today. It is the oldest Lutheran church in America! They are credited with starting Georgia’s first water powered grist mill, a Sunday school, an orphanage, and a working silk production. They remained very loyal to the trustees, as they had been treated so well by them. The trustees liked them as well, for the Salzburgers did not believe in slavery or alcohol. The church they built in 1763 still remains today. Describe the Salzburgers on your handout.

Another group was the Highland Scotts. They were Scottish immigrants that were known for their fighting skills. They were recruited by Oglethorpe for this reason. They built the town and fort called Darien (King George Fort) along the Altamaha River and raised cattle. It was a good thing that the Highland Scots were there, because Spain was secretly preparing an attack. Oglethorpe knew he needed to act quickly, so he sailed back to England to petition for more men and money. I’m sure Oglethorpe was thrilled when King George II allowed 600 men to sail back with him. He stationed many of the soldiers at Fort Frederica. Tensions were heating up! Now, on your handout, define the Highland Scots. Page 7 of 11

Conflict begins….

Then it happened! Britain declared war on Spain in 1739 in the War of Jenkins Ear. It was named this after a British captain named Jenkins lost his ear to the Spanish as he was raiding their ship. He was to serve as a warning to other British ship captains who tried to smuggle goods off the Florida coast. When Jenkins brought his ear to the English Parliament, it enraged the English public. They demanded the Spanish pay for it this crime, so a war broke out between the 2 countries!

As you probably can guess, the War of Jenkins Ear made its way onto American soil, but Oglethorpe was glad, for he wanted to invade Florida, to rid the area of the Spanish! He had a plan; he and an army of 2,000 men would invade Spanish Florida and destroy the Spanish fort at St. Old Spanish fort in St. Augustine Augustine. But Spain’s well-organized militia met Oglethorpe and his men in a surprise attack and forced the Georgians, South Carolinians, and their Indian allies to retreat to St. Simon’s Island. Oglethorpe had failed! I’m sure he was wondering if he would ever be successful in fighting off the Spanish. Define the War of Jenkins Ear.

But another chance came 2 years later with The Battle of Bloody Marsh. This time, it was the Spanish who attacked Georgia territory close to Fort Frederica. But, Oglethorpe was ready, for he had heard that the Spanish were planning an attack, so he and his army waited in the dense woods along the marshes of St. Simon’s Island and took the Spanish by surprise. This time, they won, and when the Spanish tried to attack the 2nd time by sea, Oglethorpe won again! Finally, Georgia and South Carolina had been saved from the Spanish. Who do you think helped Oglethorpe fight in this battle? If you answered Chief Tomochichi and the Yamacraws, you would have been right! This event was the only Spanish attempt to invade Georgia during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, and the British had won. I bet Oglethorpe felt proud that he and his troops had successfully defended Georgia! Now, on your handout, define the Battle of Bloody Marsh, concentrating on the main events.

Georgia was now fully established. There were issues, though. When Oglethorpe heard how the South Carolina traders were cheating the Indians and supplying them with rum, he created a plan; anyone who wanted to trade with the Georgia Natives would need a license, pay a fee, and be willing to follow rules set out by the Trustees. To help control the fur trade, Oglethorpe had a fort built on the Savannah River called Fort Augusta. But, tension continued regarding the trustee rules, and many Georgians left for nearby South Carolina for more freedom. In 1743, Oglethorpe returned to England to take care of his estate and never set foot on Georgia soil again. Instead, he married and continued to be a part of Parliament. He had helped to make Georgia successful, and would be remembered for his many contributions. The colonists, as well as Tomochichi, must have missed his leadership. Would the colony change? Page 8 of 11

What was the South Carolina colony like? It was totally different from Georgia, as it was a royal colony that did allow alcohol, slavery, and the right to purchase land. Many colonists began to leave the Georgia colony to live in South Carolina where there was more freedom.

Reflect for a moment. If colonists, such as the malcontents, were unhappy, should the trustees have changed any rules? Finally, in 1751, the trustees decided to change the rules! They would now allow the colonists to own land and slaves. I’m sure Oglethorpe must have been saddened to hear that the trustees had abandoned many of the rules laid out in the charter. Think back on the rules that these malcontents were complaining about, (page 6). Which one do you think the colonists struggled with the most? Really reflect on this before answering on your handout.

Georgia Becomes a Royal Colony Trustee Colony 1732 - 1752: ruled by trustees, land ownership restricted to 50 acres, colonists who paid their own way got 500 acres, freedom An important event took place in Georgia in of religion, except for Catholics and Jews, no 1752. With all of the changes that had taken slavery or alcohol place, it was bound to happen. Georgia would Royal Colony: Headright system, could own no longer be controlled by the trustees, but and sell land, have slavery and alcohol, had instead would become a royal colony! That official religion Church of England (Anglican meant that it would now have governors to rule Church), had bi-cameral legislature, white men it.. Its first royal governor was John Reynolds. with property could vote, collect taxes, had more freedoms, self-government. He was a former Navy captain, and is credited for giving Georgians the right to self-govern. Land boundaries: Trustee colony: All lands He also set up the first bi-cameral legislature between the Altamaha & Savannah Rivers west and court system. The colonists were happy, as to the Pacific Ocean. Royal Colony: After French & Indian War: increased south to St. they now had more freedom than they did Mary’s River and west to Mississippi River. under the Trustees. Look at the chart to see how the colony changed, then record these changes in the chart on your handout.

War Breaks Out!

The same year that Reynolds became Georgia’s governor, a war broke out between England and the colonies against France and its allied Indians. It was called the French and Indian War (also called the Seven Year War). It was fought over territory, resources, and trade routes in the New World. Georgia was not really affected by the war, but the northern colonies and Europe were all a part of it. Even though Spain became an ally with France, Great Britain won! With the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, England now had complete control of the land east of the Mississippi River, from Canada to the tip of the Florida peninsula! The war had been costly for all countries involved. Now, England would look to the colonies to help pay back those costs. Think about it. What opportunity did the Treaty of Paris open up for the settlers that they didn’t have before? Answer on your handout, and then define the French and Indian War, AND the Treaty of Paris.

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Governor John Reynolds was not a popular governor and only lasted 2 years. He had a poor attitude, even losing his temper at times. He was called back to England and was ordered to resign. Who would now replace Reynolds? The 2nd governor was none other than Henry Ellis. He was also a British Royal Navy captain, and allowed the wealthy, influential colonists to help lead the colony. Did he change the colony? He certainly did! Under his leadership, the Church of England (Anglican Church) became the official church of James Wright Georgia. The colony was divided into eight parishes that paid taxes, helped support the church, and took care of the poor. The colony also grew economically as new crops were introduced, and more businesses came to Georgia. But, Ellis could not tolerate the hot, Georgia heat! He often complained that Georgia was one of the hottest places on Earth! He became sick and asked to be replaced after only three years in office. Now, on your handout, describe both Governor Reynolds and Ellis. Make sure to name the contributions that Ellis brought to the colony.

Let me introduce to you Georgia’s 3rd and final governor – Sir James Wright. He served as governor for almost 16 years, from 1760 – 1776. He was the attorney general for South Carolina before coming to Georgia. This governor also built palisades and forts around Savannah to make it stronger. That is quite an accomplishment. Under his leadership, Georgia grew, both in population and land gained from the Indians. He was popular with the colonists, that is, until the American Revolution intensified. He did his best to keep Georgians from getting involved in the conflict, but eventually the revolution spread into Georgia. It became so intense that Wright was arrested, but somehow he managed to escape, boarded a British ship and sailed back to England. He must have been quite relieved to be out of Georgia! Define Governor Wright and his contributions to the colony.

Life in the Colonies

Settlers continued to pour into Georgia, but life was hard. Many died or went back to Europe. The success of Georgia was based on farming (agriculture), and the communities were spread far apart. Just think about it…If you wanted to visit your neighbor, it would have taken most of the day just to travel! There were colonists who began to settle in the backcountry, Georgia’s frontier. These people were interested in farming and living on their own. Would you be up for that type of adventure? There was no official school system, and the only education children received were mainly from their parents. Religion, though, continued to play an important part in the lives of the colonists.

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