They were destined to die. In the early spring of 1607, the people of England sailed to the East Coast of Virginia. Sailing to the mouth of the Chesapeake bay, and working their way up the James River. The settlers came to the New World with expectations that were unbelievably high, and with a strong reason. Some can for gold, and riches. Some came to teach others the ways of Jesus Christ. Some came for a hidden trade route to China. Others may have hopes to be apart of the first permanent colonization in the New World.
In the end, the Jamestown colony were to become the first long-lasting settlement in America. As the colonists saw the land of America, they were exposed to freshwater streams, “”faire meddowes and goodly tall trees. ” The settlers were also exposed to – what they know as their death. In the early years of 1607-1611, they experienced betrayal, hardship, and – worst of all – death. An abundant of colonists died during the early colonization of Jamestown because of Environmental issues, their relationships with the Native Americans, and a lack of settler skills.
A tremendous amount of colonist died because of environmental issues. In the academic journal, “Jamestown Environment,” it tells us that the brackish water from the James River was polluted. In the text, it states, “where filth introduced into the river tended to fester rather than flush away. ” The settlers did not have a reliable disposal system; therefore, this forced the colonist to dump waste, including human waste, into the James River. Also, salt water, from the Chesapeake bay, mixed in with the James River.
Causing the river to “fester” and become ocean water. Drought was another environmental issue which caused many deaths. The tree-ring patterns shows that in the year of 1606-1612 there was a long-lasting drought (Doc. B). The colonists came to Virginia during the drought which affected their source of food, and their source of fresh water. With the drought roaring, and the water becoming polluted – the rate of the deaths slowly climbs up. Many English colonists died because of their relationship with the Native Americans.
According to the multiple documents it proves that the English did not have a positive relationship with the Native Americans. In the essay, “The Virginia Adventure,” it states, “some harshe and crewell dealings by cutting of towe (two) of the salvages heads and other extremetyes. ” Since there was a drought occurring in the region, they were unable to grow crops. Due to them unable to grow food – the settlers, continuously, begged for food from the Natives. The Indians refused to give them any food – the result of this was that the English people had use vicious ways in order to get what they wanted.
Without a doubt, the Natives would attack backcausing more English men to die. Roughly 134 colonists died in 1609-1610 from Indian attacks (Doc. E). Due to the bad relationship with the Native Americans – it led to the various deaths of the people from the Jamestown colony. The last two reasons were certainly not the only reason colonist died; some colonist died because they, simply, lacked the ability to survive. Narrowing it down some settlers (gentlemen) did not know how to work with their hands. Others did not know how to farm.
They also lacked a numerous amount of labourers. Not to mention, no one thought of adding women to the colony (Doc. C). there is not a high chance of survival if you have an insufficient amount of labourer. Without the labourers building and working, the civilization would be a complete flop. They are relying on the labourers, but 12 labourers (Doc. C) is not enough. Without the presence of farmers, you are unable to efficiently gain crops. Without farmers, you have a limited amount of food. Without enough food – you will die.
As well, they brought people with occupations that are completely unnecessary. For example, the original settlement brought a drummer and a barber (Doc. C). There are no logical reasons that a drummer and a barber will help the colony survive. Furthermore, the amount of gentlemen they brought is absurd. The Virginia Company brought 47 gentlemen – that were not used to working with their hands. Which makes them useless because they could not get anything done. Bringing people that can not survive in the wilderness is definitely one way to die.
Problems with the environment, their relationship with the Natives, and a lack of skill caused many settlers to become deceased in Early Jamestown. They faced severe conditions, such as droughts, and brackish water. Brought unnecessary jobs to the colony. Moreover, the Indians were also extremely tired of the English forcing them to trade. The colonists’ expectations were not met. They were hoping for riches, but instead of finding goods – they faced hardship, betrayal, and death. Their fate was death, but they were lucky enough to get out of it.
