Jamestown Essay -- essays research papers

Jamestown   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the sixteenth century, England was one of the most powerful countries in the world. England was also in dire need of money at this time. In an effort to alleviate the country’s financial burdens, King Henry VIII decided to seize land owned by the Catholic Church. Henry then sold the already inhabited land to investors, and its residents were forced out. These people and their descendants would eventually become some of the fortune-seeking colonists that would settle America during England’s try at Imperialism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the early 1600’s England need money once again, and this time it decided to by settling the new land to the west of them. Instead of actually funding these colonial expeditions, England would issue charters to joint – stock companies. These companies consisted of wealthy English investors who would all give some money to finance the trips and would share in the riches if they succeeded or lost their money of they failed. Most of the time the benefits of their investments would outweigh the risks. For England, this was a win-win situation. Since England did not pay for the voyages or the colonies themselves, England wouldn’t lose the money if they failed. If the companies succeeded, England was entitled to a percentage of the profits and became its ultimate authority.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  England’s first colony was established in 1607 by a joint – stock company, and was named Jamesto...