Establishing the Georgia Colony, 1732-1750
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
In the 1730s, England founded the last of its colonies in North America. The project was the
brain child of James Oglethorpe, a former army officer. After Oglethorpe left the army, he
devoted himself to helping the poor and debt-ridden people of London, whom he suggested
settling in America. His choice of Georgia, named for the new King, was also motivated by the
idea of creating a defensive buffer for South Carolina, an increasingly important colony with
many potential enemies close by. These enemies included the Spanish in Florida, the French in
Louisiana and along the Mississippi River, and these powers' Indian allies throughout the region.
Twenty trustees received funding from Parliament and a charter from the King, issued in
June 1732. The charter granted the trustees the powers of a corporation; they could elect their
own governing body, make land grants, and enact their own laws and taxes. Since the
corporation was a charitable body, none of the trustees could receive any land from, or hold a
paid position in, the corporation. Too, since the undertaking was designed to benefit the poor, the
trustees placed a 500-acre limit on the size of individual land holdings. People who had received
charity and who had not purchased their own land could not sell, or borrow money against, it.
The trustees wanted to avoid the situation in South Carolina, which had very large plantations
and extreme gaps between the wealthy and the poor.
English and Christian
The undertaking was paternalistic through and through. For example, the trustees did not
trust the colonists to make their own laws. They therefore did not establish a representative
assembly, although every other mainland colony had one. The trustees made all laws for the
colony. Second, the settlements were laid out in compact, confined, and concentrated townships.
In part, this arrangement was instituted to enhance the colony's defenses, but social control was
another consideration. Third, the trustees prohibited the import and manufacture of rum, for rum
would lead to idleness. Finally, the trustees prohibited Negro slavery, for they believed that this
ban would encourage the settlement of "English and Christian" people.
Georgia's first year, 1733, went well enough, as settlers began to clear the land, build
houses, and construct fortifications. Those who came in the first wave of settlement realized that
after the first year they would be working for themselves. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, who went to
Georgia with the first settlers, began negotiating treaties with local Indian tribes, especially the
Upper Creek tribe. Knowing that the Spanish, based in Florida, had great influence with many of
the tribes in the region, Oglethorpe thought it necessary to reach an understanding with these
native peoples if Georgia was to remain free from attack. In addition, the Indian trade became an
important element of Georgia's economy.
It didn't take long, however, until the settlers began to grumble about all the restrictions
imposed on them by the trustees. In part, this grumbling may have been due to the fact that most
of those moving to Georgia after the first several years were from other colonies, especially
South Carolina. These settlers viewed restrictions on the size of individual land holdings as a
sure pathway to poverty. They also opposed restrictions on land sales and the prohibition against
slavery for the same reason. They certainly did not like the fact that they were deprived of any
self-government and their rights as Englishmen. By the early 1740s, the trustees slowly gave way
on most of the colonists' grievances.
