by Emily Ross
Hello, fellow history lovers!
Today, let's dive deep into the Virginia colony and its role in the journey toward the American Revolution, focusing on the birth of democracy in Jamestown.
Ok. Now the goods.
Pull up a cup of coffee, or tea and follow the story of how democracy was a Public Relations campaign to make Virginia sound like a great place.
Contents
Virginia at Peace: From Protection to Prosperity
When we last left off, the Virginia colony was experiencing a rare moment of peace with the natives. Colonists, free from the threat of attacks, ventured outside the protective walls of their settlements to cultivate food and tobacco. They had tried their hands at producing other goods like iron and glass, which England needed desperately, but those endeavors failed.
The Rise of Tobacco: Virginia's Goldmine
Tobacco, however, was a different story. England’s demand for tobacco helped it become Virginia’s largest source of income and one of England’s as well. There was drama with the king trying to control the amount of tobacco the colonists could bring to England. When the colonists started selling it to England's rival, Holland, the king was not pleased.
A New Charter and Virginia’s Image Problem
Amidst the tobacco tussle, King James canceled Virginia’s second charter and introduced a third one in 1612. This added more land to The Virginia Company and permitted a lottery to raise funds in England. Yet, tales of cruelty and drama in Virginia painted the colony in a negative light, making it difficult for the company to drum up support and funds.
Democracy Takes Root
So, The Virginia Company sent a new governor to the colony with instructions to establish a self-governing democracy. This move was intended to salvage Virginia’s tarnished image back in England. These instructions, humorously dubbed the "Magna Charta," granted colonists the right to elect representatives, just like the Magna Carta did with Englishmen’s rights centuries before.
Establishing the Assembly: A Balance of Power
The new government setup included elected representatives forming the House, alongside a smaller Governor’s Council chosen by the governor. Together, they were known as the Assembly, with the governor retaining veto power over proposed laws, similar to England’s Parliament. This system meant that colonists had a say in their governance, remarkable at the time and crucial for future resistance.
James and the Virginia Company’s Democratic Struggles
Although democracy was gaining a foothold in Virginia, King James was unhappy. He viewed the meetings of The Virginia Company as treasonous schools teaching Parliament defiance. Nonetheless, the charters were unchangeable; the king had granted these powers, and there were "no take backsies."
The Governor's Task: Setting Things Right
Upon arrival, the new governor acted on these instructions, proclaiming that colonists were now free from the previous regime's harsh punishments. Laws from the former cruel government were nullified, and colonists were governed under English law. This was a critical step in establishing democracy in the New World.
Democracy’s First Challenge: John Martin’s Land Dispute
An interesting tale involves John Martin, a former council member granted 80,000 acres of land exempt from Virginia's laws. When Martin tried to send representatives to the Assembly, he refused to give up his immunity to its laws. The Assembly rejected his representatives, demonstrating its newfound power and commitment to fairness.
The Six-Year Journey to a Royal Colony
From 1619 to 1624, Virginia’s colonists gained valuable experience in self-governance. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the representative government structure remained, demonstrating the resilience and importance of these democratic foundations.
Assembly’s Laws: Shaping a New Society
The Assembly passed numerous laws on interactions with natives, public behavior, and agricultural obligations. One notable law forbade idleness, a reaction to earlier near-starvation events when some colonists refused physical labor.
Power Dynamics and Future Conflicts
The struggle for power between the Assembly and the governor was continuous, illustrating the beginnings of a power struggle that would resonate with the colonists for generations, eventually contributing to the American Revolution.
The Assembly and Taxation
The Assembly’s power to levy taxes, essential for public works and officials' salaries, set the stage for future conflicts with governors attempting to impose unauthorized fees. This tug-of-war underscored the evolving democratic principles of fair representation and governance.
Conclusion: Legacy of Early Democracy
The balance of power established in Virginia, with both elected representatives and an upper-class council, provided a foundation of governance. Despite challenges, this early democracy was crucial in shaping the colony’s future resistance to England's rule.
Stay tuned for our next episode as we delve into how The Virginia Company was dissolved and Virginia transitioned into a royal colony. See you next time on Why Wars Happened!
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