Unit 2 Lesson 5: Settling Georgia and the Charter of 1732

Question

The Charter of 1732
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.

What happened? Summarize the event!

Where did the event take place?

What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?

When did the event take place?

Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
It was the beginning of the colony.

Answer 1

The Charter of 1732

Who was involved?

• James Oglethorpe: A British general and philanthropist who played a crucial role in establishing the colony of Georgia.
• The Trustees: A group of individuals appointed to govern the new colony, including notable figures like Oglethorpe.
• The British Government: The government sanctioned the establishment of the colony and granted the charter.
• Settlers: The individuals and families who came to Georgia, including indebted individuals seeking a fresh start, as well as some prisoners from British jails.
• Indigenous Peoples: Various Native American tribes who inhabited the region before the arrival of European settlers.

What happened?
The Charter of 1732 was granted by King George II of Great Britain, allowing for the establishment of the colony of Georgia. The primary purpose of this charter was to create a buffer colony between the British colonies in South Carolina and Spanish-controlled Florida, as well as to provide a place for the poor and indebted of Britain to start anew. James Oglethorpe led the first group of settlers to Georgia in 1733, founding the city of Savannah, which became the first settlement in the new colony.

Where did the event take place?
The event took place in England, where the charter was granted, and subsequently in the southeastern part of present-day United States, particularly in the area that would become the colony of Georgia, beginning with the founding of Savannah.

What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
The event primarily took place in the coastal region of Georgia, particularly around the Savannah River and the area that would become the city of Savannah, as well as potentially expanding into other regions of the colony over time.

When did the event take place?
The charter was granted on April 21, 1732, and the first settlers arrived in 1733.

Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Charter of 1732 marked the formal beginning of Georgia as a colony. It established critical principles concerning the governance and organization of the colony, such as the ban on slavery and rum, and the intention to provide an opportunity for the poor and indebted. The founding of Georgia also served strategic purposes for Britain, contributing to the colonial rivalry and positioning in North America. The charter laid the foundations for the development of Georgia's unique identity and its role in American history.