What were the essential elements of the settlement of Jamestown that allowed it to survive?
Some of these elements were:
Leadership of Captain John Smith
Skills and tenacity of many of the colonists
Trade with the Powatans for food
Arrival of the new governor, Lord De La Ware with supplies
For more details, check out this article.
http://www.apva.org/history/
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To understand the essential elements that allowed the settlement of Jamestown to survive, we need to explore the historical context and the specific factors that contributed to its survival.
1. Location: Jamestown was situated along the James River in Virginia, which allowed the colonists access to fresh water for drinking and irrigation, as well as a means of transportation for trade and communication.
2. Leadership: The leadership of Captain John Smith played a crucial role in Jamestown's survival. Smith implemented strict discipline, organized work details, and established trading relationships with the Native American tribes in the area, securing necessary resources.
3. Agriculture: Jamestown survived by adopting agriculture. Initially, the settlers primarily searched for gold and relied on trade for sustenance. However, they eventually began cultivating crops like tobacco, corn, and other food crops. This transition from a search for riches to agricultural self-sufficiency improved the colony's chances of survival.
4. Partnership with Native Americans: The Powhatan Confederacy, led by Chief Powhatan, interacted with the Jamestown settlers. John Smith initiated contact and established trade relationships, exchanging goods for food. This partnership was pivotal during times of scarcity, as the Native Americans provided food to the colonists.
5. Support from England: Jamestown survived because of the financial and logistical support from the Virginia Company of London, a joint-stock company that established the colony. The company provided supplies, reinforcements, and invested in the development of the settlement.
It is important to note that Jamestown still faced significant challenges, including periodic food shortages, conflicts with Native American tribes, and the spread of diseases like malaria. However, it was the combination of factors mentioned above that helped the settlement of Jamestown to endure and become the first permanent English colony in America.