James Oglethorpe arriving in Georgia and founding Savannah
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
1. James Oglethorpe: James Oglethorpe was a British military officer and philanthropist who played a central role in the founding of Georgia. He conceived the idea of creating a colony to house debtors and provide them with a fresh start. Oglethorpe personally led the first group of settlers to Georgia and became the de facto leader of the colony.
2. Trustees of the Colony of Georgia: The Trustees of the Colony of Georgia were a group of 21 philanthropists who were granted a royal charter to establish the colony. They were responsible for overseeing the development of Georgia and formulating laws and regulations.
3. Colonial settlers: The colonial settlers who were recruited to settle in Georgia played a significant role in the founding of Savannah. They were mostly impoverished and debt-ridden individuals seeking a new start in the colony. These settlers were given land and resources to establish their own households and farms.
4. Native American tribes: The arrival of British settlers in Georgia had a profound impact on the Native American tribes in the area. Oglethorpe sought peaceful relations with the natives and made efforts to establish alliances and trade agreements. However, conflicts and tensions between the settlers and the Native Americans arose over land and resources.
5. African slaves: Slavery was initially prohibited in Georgia, but later a gradual relaxation of the ban occurred. African slaves were used as laborers on plantations and in the development of the colony.
6. British government: The British government granted the royal charter to the Trustees of the Colony of Georgia and provided support for their endeavor. They also provided military assistance to protect the colony from potential Spanish and French threats.
7. Spanish and French colonizers: The establishment of Georgia as a British colony posed a potential threat to the Spanish and French colonial interests in North America. Consequently, tensions and conflicts arose between Georgia and the Spanish and French colonies, including attempts to capture Savannah.
8. Merchants and traders: The founding of Savannah opened new economic opportunities for merchants and traders both within the colony and in neighboring British colonies. The development of Savannah as a port city facilitated trade with Europe, Africa, and the other American colonies.