Cruel punishments, a “Damned Crew” from hell, and the warning signs of a deadly massacre in early Jamestown. Explore the turbulent early years of the Virginia colony! From the harsh rule of Jamestown's governors to the tobacco boom that saved the colony, we delve into its rocky start. Learn how attempts at iron production were thwarted by the massacre of 1622 and how glass-making efforts fell apart due to illness and bad luck. Discover the fierce battle over tobacco trade between Virginia, England, and Spain, and the financial juggling acts by King James. And uncover the truth behind the establishment of democracy in Virginia, a move to salvage its dire reputation.

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00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution

00:16 Jamestown's Early Struggles and Governance

01:47 Economic Motivations for Colonization

02:28 The Tobacco Boom

04:53 Iron and Glass Ventures

06:39 The Massacre of 1622 and Its Aftermath

10:00 Tobacco Trade Conflicts with England and Spain

12:43 King James' Restrictions and Colonial Resistance

20:14 The Virginia Company's Demise

21:00 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

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

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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Comment your thoughts below!

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