The Founding of Georgia

1. The Founding of Georgia The Creation of a New Colony SS8H2: The student will analyze the colonial period of Georgia’s history

2. Hard Times In England • During the 1600s, England was experiencing two main problems: • 1.) Not enough jobs to support the population. • 2.) Prison overcrowding due to the large number of debtors.

3. James Oglethorpe Proposes a Solution • At age 25, James Oglethorpe was elected to Parliament, which is the national law-making body (legislature) in England. • Oglethorpe knew that a solution had to be created to solve England’s problems. • He convinced John Percival, an influential Parliament member, (Jail Committee) to ask King George II for a grant of land in North America. Why????

4. Georgia Is Created • King George II granted Oglethorpe a grant of land south of Carolina. • In honor of King George II, Oglethorpe and Percival named the new grant of land, Georgia, after the king.

5. Georgia’s Charter • June 20, 1732, Georgia received its charter, explaining the purpose for colonization: • Defense – to provide South Carolina with a buffer against Indian attacks & Spanish threat from Florida • Economics – increase Britain’s trade & wealth. • Charity – relieve poverty & unemployment in Britain • Freedom of Religion was an additional concern

6. A Unique Colony • Georgia was the only colony to be governed by trustees • A trustee is: someone placed in an official position of trust to act on behalf of someone else. • Oglethorpe and 20 other British Gentlemen acted as the trustees.

7. Destination Reached • November of 1732, Oglethorpe & 114 settlers sail on the Anne in hopes of reaching America; they make it 57 days later. • Oglethorpe received permission from Tomochichi, a Yamacraw chief, to settle in GA at Yamacraw Bluff. • The Yamacraw had a lot to gain: goods from the English, & crops (Yamacraw did not grow crops). • February 12, 1733 – Georgia was officially founded.

8. Mary Musgrove • Oglethorpe communicated with the Yamacraw with the help of Mary Musgrove • She was a part-Creek, part-White woman who along with her husband owned a trading post.

9. Georgia’s First Settlement • Savannah was built using a plan in London called Squares – open spaces, which acted as a neighborhood center • Lots adjacent to the squares were set aside for public buildings. • There were 40 house lots set aside each square.

10. New Rules Lead To Unrest • 1.) Restrictions on land ownership • used to prevent an upper class (50 acres of land per person) • 2.) A ban on Slavery • 3.) Prohibitions on rum & hard liquors

11. Building Forts & Enhancing Indian Relations • Georgia’s main importance was to act as a buffer colony – protect South Carolina. • The first fort was constructed at Darien (North of the Altamaha River).

12. Building Forts & Enhancing Indian Relations • In December of 1735, Oglethorpe & 257 Georgia colonists constructed a second fort at St. Simons Island; this later became the town & fort of Frederica. • Think back to the last unit. What problems will arise due to English forts being built in GA?????

13. Fort at Darien

14. Indian Relations Continued • Oglethorpe had instructions to keep a good relationship with the Indians. Why? • The Indians would act as allies if war broke out with Spain. • Trading regulations were established to trade with the Indians (license, fees, rules). Trading took place in the backcountry.

15. The Beginning of War With Spain • In November of 1736, Oglethorpe returned to England to warn of a Spanish invasion. • In October of 1737, King George II promoted Oglethorpe to colonel of the British Army. • Oglethorpe had to raise a force of 600 soldiers, and was in command of forces in Georgia & South Carolina.

16. War With Spain Cont. • 1739 England declared war on Spain; in 1740, England led an invasion into Florida. • 1740 – England captures Ft. Diego; however looses a battle at Fort Mose. The Black Militia was influential in Spain’s victory. • 1742 – A fleet of several thousand Spanish soldiers appear on the horizon near Ft. Frederica; England was outnumbered.

17. Battle of Bloody Marsh • July 7, 1742, Spain was advancing from the South closing in on Ft. Frederica. • After Oglethorpe was warned, he positioned troops behind bushes and trees in the marsh. • When Spain approached the marsh, they were surprised by the attack. Spain lost the battle quickly.

18. Georgia Becomes a Royal Colony • 1752 – Georgia is under the direct control of the British Government. • 1754 – John Reynolds becomes the first royal governor of Georgia. • New Government – Appointed upper house; elected lower house (Commons House of Assembly) • Only white males who owned 500 acres could be elected to the House of Assembly.

19. Continued • After two years, Henry Ellis replaced John Reynolds as Governor. • 1758 – Anglican Church became the official church of GA. The colony was broken down into Parishes – eight religious districts. • Residents of each parish elected wardens and paid taxes to the church. • After three years, Ellis resigned as Gov. and Sir James Wright took over. He was the most successful of the three.

20. The French & Indian War • France (and Indians) VS England (and Colonists) • Fighting began in North America • Spain joined and helped France late in the war • They asked Britain for peace • France lost Canada and land east of Mississippi River • Spain lost Florida • Mississippi River became Georgia’s western border

21. The Colony Prospers • After Georgia acquired additional land, it decided to attract more settlers • Under the headright system, each family was given 100 acres plus 50 acres per family member, indentured servant, or slave that came to Ga. Infer what happens next?