Plymouth And Jamestown example essay topic

424 words
Will Collins Per. # 2 Jamestown and Plymouth were the first two successful English colonies in North America. Jamsetown was established in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620. These two colonies were different yet had a number of striking similarities in Governments, reasons for settlements, and differing economic activities. Jamestown and Plymouth had many similarities. For example they both had some sort of government in some way.

Jamestown had the first legislative assembly among the western hemisphere in 1619. This would later be called the, House of Burgesses. This served as a good model for many law making bodies in the U.S. Plymouth a similar government. Their government consisted of general court. They also had a Governor. The government made laws and also levied taxes.

Plymouth was always one step ahead in their law making bodies. Another similarity between the two is Plymouth and Jamestown both had excellent leadership among their colonies. Plymouth main leaders were Governor Bradford (second Governor of Plymouth) and Governor Carver. Jamestown leaders were Captain John Smith and Governor Berkeley. James Smith held Jamestown together during their harder times in early settlement. Plymouth and Jamestown also had many distinct differences.

For example, they both had different reasons for settlement. The Plymouth colony were in search for religious freedom from their homeland. Jamestown on the other hand was seeking new land for different reasons. Jamestown was in search for treasure to bring back to their home colonies across sea. They also wanted to spread their faith (Christianity) to the natives. Another difference in these two were their economic cultures.

Jamestown experimented with many different things but their main crop was tabacco This new cash crop was found by John Rolfe. He also produced a new method of curing the leaves. Along with tabacco Jamestown also produced corn and raised hogs. Plymouth didnt have much luck with farming.

They took part of another era, trading. They traded fur to the natives and locals. They also found an industry in fishing which was led under the direction of Squanto. These two colonies were both very different yet depicted many similarities. They displayed great leadership bringing in a new era.

With their successful settlements they brought new opportunities to new land. Plymouth and Jamestown had enlightening colonies. They revealed likes and differences but they provided a new way of life.