Virginia's Early Relations with Native Americans
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
Those living in the area where Jamestown was settled must have had mixed feelings about
the arrival of the English in 1607. One of their first reactions was hostility based on their
previous experience with Spanish explorers along their coastline. They attacked one of the ships
before the English actually landed. Yet they soon began to offer food and hospitality to the
newcomers. At first, Powhatan, leader of a confederation of tribes around the Chesapeake Bay,
hoped to absorb the newcomers through hospitality and his offerings of food. As the colonists
searched for instant wealth, they neglected planting corn and other work necessary to make their
colony self-sufficient. They therefore grew more and more dependent on the indigenous people
for food.
Discovery and Exploration
As the colony's fortunes deteriorated during its first two years, Captain John Smith's
leadership saved the colony. Part of this leadership involved exploring the area and establishing
trade with local people. Unfortunately for the Native Americans, Smith believed that the English
should treat them as the Spanish had: to compel them to "drudgery, work, and slavery," so
English colonists could live "like Soldiers upon the fruit of their labor." Thus, when his
negotiations for food occasionally failed, Smith took what he wanted by force.
By 1609, Powhatan realized that the English intended to stay. Moreover, he was
disappointed that the English did not return his hospitality nor would they marry Native
American women. He knew that the English "invade my people, possess my country." Native
Americans thus began attacking settlers, killing their livestock, and burning such crops as they
planted. All the while, Powhatan claimed he simply could not control the young men who were
committing these acts without his knowledge or permission. Keep in mind, however, that
Powhatan's reactions and statements were reported by John Smith, hardly an unbiased observer.
In the next decade, the colonists conducted search and destroy raids on Native American
settlements. They burned villages and corn crops (ironic, in that the English were often starving).
Both sides committed atrocities against the other. Powhatan was finally forced into a truce of
sorts. Colonists captured Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, who soon married John
Rolfe. Their marriage did help relations between Native Americans and colonists.
With the reorganization of the colony under Sir Edwin Sandys, liberal land policies led to
dispersion of English settlements along the James River. Increasing cultivation of tobacco
required more land (since tobacco wore out the soil in three or four years) and clearing forest
areas to make land fit for planting. Expanding English settlements meant more encroachment on
Native American lands and somewhat greater contact with Native Americans. It also left settlers
more vulnerable to attack. By this time, the Native American fully realized what continued
English presence in Virginia meant--more plantations, the felling of more forests, the killing of
more game--in sum, a greater threat to their way of life. The self-proclaimed humanitarian efforts
of people like George Thorpe--who sought to convert Indian children to Christianity through
education--did not help either. Finally, the deaths of Powhatan and Pocahontas further hastened
hostilities.
The Native Americans, led by Powhatan's brother Opechancanough, bided their time.
Pretending friendship, they were waiting for an opportunity to strike the English and dislodge
them from Virginia. In early 1622, they struck. In all, nearly 350 colonists were killed;
Jamestown itself was saved only by the warning of an Native American Christian convert. One
result was an ever-hardening English attitude toward the Native American. Another was bloody
reprisals against local tribes.
