Starving colonists forced to work, whipped, and cold water poured down their sleeves if they swore. Colonists sweeten the tobacco plant to sell it, colonists attempt to flee Jamestown, only to be forced back by the miraculous timing of an English ship. Dive into the chaotic history of Jamestown in this episode of 'Why Wars Happened.' We explore the early struggles of the colonists, from vicious power games to the devastating 'starving time.' Meet John Smith, the tough guy who made everyone work, and follow the rollercoaster ride of the colony's leadership. Discover how tobacco sweetened Jamestown’s bitter start and turned it into a thriving settlement despite brutal laws and ongoing battles with the natives. A fascinating look at how sheer desperation and determination helped keep the colony alive!

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00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution

00:16 The Early Struggles of Jamestown

02:08 John Smith's Leadership and the Starving Time

04:23 Governor Gates and the Abandonment Plan

05:36 Lord De La Warr's Arrival and Strict Governance

08:13 The Establishment of Henrico and Harsh Laws

13:36 The Tobacco Boom and Economic Transformation

16:48 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

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

Starvation and high school cliques in early Jamestown? Things in Pocahontas that actually happened? John Smith becomes a "good" dictator? Join us as we dive into the wild early days of Jamestown. The first permanent English colony in America was anything but peaceful, with secret councils, imprisonment of John Smith, vicious power struggles, and even starvation. Discover how John Smith navigated through rumors, imprisonment, an explosion, and political turmoil to rise to power. Along the way, we'll unravel which things in the movie Pocahontas were real, and which ones weren’t, making history as dramatic as any blockbuster movie.

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00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution

00:15 The Virginia Company and Early Governance

01:12 John Smith's Trials and Tribulations

02:43 Council Conflicts and Power Struggles

06:51 Starvation and Mismanagement

09:13 The Shift Towards a Governorship

12:21 John Smith's Final Days in Power

18:12 The Return of the Council and New Leadership

19:38 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

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

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?

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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