by Emily Ross
Hey history lovers! Welcome to our "Why Wars Happened," weekly history blog where we dive deep into the causes behind historical conflicts to understand what led to war in history.
Ok. Now the goods.
Dive into the background of what the lives of the colonists would have been like before they left for Virginia.
Contents
A New Era for England
Let's rewind a bit to the 1500s, just before King James I ascended to the English throne in 1603. Back then, wood was life. From cooking your meals to building your home and farming your land, wood was essential. But England’s forests were dwindling; by the year 1500, the forest covered only 9% of the land, which was almost half of what it was in the year 1000.
The Great Wood Dependency
Why does this matter? The shrinking forests were one of the reasons England needed to expand its territory. As an island nation, England also relied heavily on external sources for necessities like spices, sugar, silk, and even gunpowder. But the dwindling wood supply and constant wars with countries like Spain and France made these trades risky and expensive.
Wood wasn’t just for everyday life; it was essential for building ships. These ships kept the lines of communication and trade open with the rest of the world and were crucial during conflicts, including the famous battle of the Spanish Armada in the 1500s.
Enter King James I
When James I took the throne in 1603, England's forest cover had further decreased to just 8%. Along with a shiny throne, James inherited Queen Elizabeth's massive debt—around $119 million in today’s money.
The Perils of Trade
England's struggle for resources extended beyond its shrinking forests. Getting supplies from places like Norway and Sweden required navigating dangerous seas like the infamously treacherous North Sea. On top of that, geopolitical enemies controlled essential trade routes, making every voyage a risky endeavor.
Everyday Life in a Growing Population
The mid-1500s to 1600 saw England's population double from 2 million to 4 million. This surge brought its own set of problems: food shortages, skyrocketing prices, and shrinking job opportunities. Employers exploited the surplus labor, driving wages down while the cost of living soared.
The Sheep Farming Conundrum
At the time, wool production was one of England's major income sources. But more sheep meant less land for food crops, exacerbating the food scarcity. Sheep farming also required vast tracts of land and fewer laborers compared to traditional farming methods, further shrinking job opportunities.
Social Welfare Strains
England's poor laws attempted to mitigate these issues by taxing townspeople to support their local poor. Refusal to pay could lead to imprisonment, much like modern tax enforcement systems.
Crime and Desperation
As resources dwindled and the population grew, crime rates soared to reportedly ten times higher than today. This dire situation demanded drastic measures.
The Lure of the New World
By 1603, the Americas represented a land of endless possibilities and resources. Though these territories were already inhabited by native populations, European powers saw them as solutions to their own problems. The first permanent English colony, Jamestown, was established in 1607, named after King James. The promise of abundant wood, iron, and gold enticed these early settlers.
A Hopeful Yet Harsh Reality
Sadly, the colonists quickly discovered that their dreams of easy riches were met with bitter disappointment. The story of Jamestown is a tale of survival and struggle against the odds.
Thanks for reading! Join us next week as we delve into who King James I was and his motivations for colonization.
See you next time on "Why Wars Happened."
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