John Smith imprisoned on the ship to Virginia? Secret names locked in a box? A company, and not the king, was behind the first permanent English colony in America? In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we explore how a broke King James I needing quick cash, led to the formation of The Virginia Company. We dive into the adventures of the colonists, the rocky start, and the high-level drama involving John Smith, who was chained to the floor of one of the the ships, before they even reached Virginia's shores. Tune in for an intriguing tale of debt, charters, and the birth of a new English stronghold!

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How could people actually believe that John Smith was planning on murdering them and making himself king?

Why wouldn't they let John Smith stretch his legs on the long journey to Virginia?

Would permanent colonization of Virginia have been successful without a company running things?

Comment your thoughts below!

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:15 King James I's Financial Crisis

01:14 The Virginia Company and Its Mission

02:32 The Importance of the King's Charter

04:00 The Governance Structure of the Virginia Colony

06:19 Challenges and Drama in the New Colony

08:16 John Smith's Journey and Imprisonment

10:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

#history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonialhistory #colonial #jamestown #virginia #johnsmith #virginia

Why was King James so desperate to colonize America? Was massive debt, insane crime, or a need for resources a larger cause? Dive into the early life of King James I in this week's episode of 'Why Wars Happened.' From a turbulent childhood filled with family drama and noble assassinations to ascending to the thrones of Scotland and England, James I's life was anything but ordinary. Learn how his desperation for financial stability and rivalry with other European powers led to the establishment of the first permanent English colony in America, Jamestown. All this, plus a dose of gruesome historical tidbits and political intrigue. Tune in now!

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What do you think biggest fears were in England during the 1600s?

Was King James right to end the War with Spain?

Do Kings and Queens today have debt this huge?

Comment your thoughts below!

00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution

00:24 The Turbulent Reign of King James I

01:25 James I's Early Life and Ascension

11:54 James I's Struggles with Parliament

15:20 The Financial Desperation of King James I

15:52 The Race for Colonization

17:15 The Founding of Jamestown

17:38 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

#history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonial #colonialhistory #crimehistory #crime #virginia

Insane crime rates in the 1600s? Disappearing forests? Pirates? Icebergs? The throne of England in deep debt? In this episode of 'Why Wars Happened,' we examine 1500s and 1600s England, where wood was as essential as water. With forests shrinking and demands rising, England faced severe resource shortages. As wars with France and Spain drained the treasury, the population doubled, leading to job scarcity and soaring food prices. Crime rates skyrocketed, and harsh social welfare laws emerged. Desperation pushed England to the New World, ultimately founding Jamestown in 1607. Get ready for a historical journey with a touch of humor!

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What was a bigger cause of crime? Population increase or wage decrease?

What else could the English have used to build things other than wood?

Why didn't Parliament put wage laws in place to combat the poverty caused by wage decreases?

Comment your thoughts below!

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:15 Setting the Stage: England in the 1500s

01:26 The Dwindling Forests and Economic Pressures

02:28 England's Maritime Challenges and Conflicts

08:47 Population Boom and Economic Strain

13:55 The Poor Laws and Social Welfare

17:40 Crime and Desperation in Early 1600s England

18:26 The New World: A Solution to England's Problems?

20:03 Jamestown: The First Permanent English Colony

20:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

#history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonial #colonialhistory #forest #population #woods #virginia