Early English Settlements

1. Early English Settlements Do Now: Why do you have to be careful when you use a movie as a historical source? Give examples when possible. Leimkuhler Productions

2. The True Story of Pocahontas • "Pocahontas" was a nickname, meaning "the naughty one" or "spoiled child". Her real name was Matoaka. • In 1612, at the age of 17, Pocahontas was taken prisoner by the English. • John Rolfe took a "special interest" in Matoaka. As a condition of her release, she agreed to marry Rolfe. She became known as “Rebecca Rolfe.” • Two years later on the spring of 1616, Rolfe took her to England where the Virginia Company of London used her to advertise and raise money for the colony. • Rolfe, his young wife, and their son set off for Virginia in March of 1617, but "Rebecca" soon became ill. She died on March 21, 1617.

3. Vocabulary • Colony – a new settlement or territory established and governed by a “mother” country in another land • Mercantilism – an economic system in which nations increase their wealth and power by obtaining gold and silver and by obtaining a favorable balance of trade

4. Why would a country want a colony anyway? • It’s like a business owned by a country • Helps the “mother” country grow rich and powerful • Provides natural resources • Provides a market for the “mother” country’s products Mercantilism is described on pages 61-62 of your textbook!