How Did John Smith Establish A Chesapeake Bay Colony

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On 14 May 1607, the London Company established the Jamestown Settlement about 40 miles inland along the James River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in present-day Virginia. The venture to establish a colony in Jamestown was designed by The Virginia Company of England. They made a daring proposition to sail to the new, mysterious land, which they called Virginia in honor of Elizabeth I, and begin a settlement. The Virginia Company was in search of economic opportunity. They expected to profit from mineral wealth such as gold and iron ore, timber and wood products and other natural resources. They also hoped to find a Northwest Passage or sailing route to the Orient for trade. Additionally, the Company wanted to stop the spread of Spanish colonies, prevent Catholicism in the New World, and convert the Native Americans to Protestant Christianity. …show more content…
When they reached North America, the group opened sealed instructions and found that Smith was chosen as one of the seven leaders of the new colony. Jamestown had one simple rule “He that will not work, will not eat.” When King James I lost absolute power of Jamestown the legislative assembly was created, and some of the power of government was trickling down into the hands of the settlers. As a result, the first representative government began in 1619 with the convening of a general assembly. Most laws passed pertained to tobacco, taxes, and measures against social problems, like drunkenness, idleness, and gambling