DTW GED PREP

The English first attempted to establish colonies in North America in the late 16th century. In 1585, a group of English settlers founded a colony on Roanoke Island, located off the coast of present-day North Carolina. However, this settlement mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind only the cryptic word “Croatoan” carved into a post as a clue to their fate. This disappearance remained a mystery for centuries and became known as the “Lost Colony of Roanoke.”

Around 20 years later, the English made a more successful attempt at colonization. In 1607, a group of about 100 settlers, sponsored by English merchants, established Jamestown in Virginia. This became the first permanent English colony in North America. However, the early years were difficult. The settlers faced severe hardships, including a lack of farming knowledge, poor relations with local Native American tribes, and insufficient food supplies. Most of the settlers died within the first few years.

The survival of Jamestown was largely due to the introduction of tobacco as a cash crop. John Rolfe, one of the survivors, learned from the local Powhatan Native Americans how to grow tobacco, a plant that was highly valued in England but struggled to grow in its colder climate. Tobacco quickly became a profitable export, which allowed the settlers to fund their survival by selling the crop to Europe. This economic success enabled them to purchase food and supplies from England and allowed the colony to grow.

In 1619, the Virginia colonists established the first representative government in what would become the United States, called the House of Burgesses. The legislature was composed of elected representatives from various counties in Virginia, though only male landowners who were at least 21 years old could vote or serve. The Church of England became the official religion of the colony, and members of other religious groups faced persecution, forcing them to move to other regions.

As Jamestown grew, prominent figures such as George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson would later serve in the House of Burgesses. Washington was elected in 1758 and served for 15 years, contributing to the development of colonial governance and the formation of a political identity that would shape the future of the United States. The establishment of Jamestown, along with the introduction of tobacco farming and representative government, marked a pivotal moment in the history of English colonization in North America.

THE ENGLISH COLONY IN VIRGINIA

Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 1.  Which of the following contributed to the successful establishment of

 the colony at Jamestown?

 A.   Receiving the king’s permission to found a settlement

 B.   Growing tobacco for sale to England

 C.   Instituting an official church

 D.   Creating the House of Burgesses

 2.  What claim about the House of Burgesses can be supported by the text?

 A.   Some important American leaders began their political careers in the House of Burgesses.

B.  All of the members of the House of Burgesses later became presidents of the United States.

 C.   The House of Burgesses was modeled on the example of the United States Congress.

 D.   Most people in Virginia were qualified to be elected to the House of Burgesses because they owned land

1. Which of the following contributed to the successful establishment of the colony at Jamestown?

A. Receiving the king’s permission to found a settlement
✅ B. Growing tobacco for sale to England
C. Instituting an official church
D. Creating the House of Burgesses

✔ Correct Answer: B. Growing tobacco for sale to England

Explanation:
Jamestown, founded in 1607, faced extreme hardships at first. Its survival and later success were largely due to the cultivation of tobacco, which became a highly profitable export crop. The ability to sell tobacco to England provided the colony with the economic foundation it needed to grow and stabilize.

2. What claim about the House of Burgesses can be supported by the text?

✅ A. Some important American leaders began their political careers in the House of Burgesses.
B. All of the members of the House of Burgesses later became presidents of the United States.
C. The House of Burgesses was modeled on the example of the United States Congress.
D. Most people in Virginia were qualified to be elected to the House of Burgesses because they owned land.

✔ Correct Answer: A. Some important American leaders began their political careers in the House of Burgesses.

Explanation:
The House of Burgesses, established in 1619, was the first elected legislative assembly in colonial America. It served as a training ground for colonial leaders and was an important step toward self-government. Prominent figures like George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson had ties to this institution during their early political careers.