Unit 2 Lesson 9: Georgia Becomes a Royal Colony
Who was involved?
- The British government and the Crown
- James Oglethorpe, the original founder of Georgia
- The colonists living in Georgia
- Indigenous tribes in the region
- Various groups including debtors and other immigrants who settled in Georgia
What happened? After the charter granted to Oglethorpe and the original trustees of Georgia expired in 1752, the colony transitioned from a trustee-governed entity to a royal colony of England. This shift allowed for more direct control by the British government, which aimed to increase economic productivity and control over the colony. The new governance structure led to changes in land ownership policies and introduced a plantation economy based on cash crops.
Where did the event take place? The transformation to a royal colony took place in the British colony of Georgia, primarily in its capital, Savannah, and throughout the various settlements in the region.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in? The event had implications across the entire colony of Georgia, including both coastal and inland regions, as policies with broader impacts were enacted throughout the colony.
When did the event take place? The transition from a trustee colony to a royal colony officially occurred in 1752.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history? This event marked a significant shift in governance and economic structure in Georgia, leading to an increased focus on lucrative cash crops and plantation agriculture. It set the stage for Georgia's social, economic, and political landscape leading into the American Revolution, as the colony became more aligned with British imperial policy and practices.
What were the Cash Crops during the Colonial Period? WRIST
- W: Wheat
- R: Rice
- I: Indigo
- S: Sugar (though not as common, it was cultivated in some areas)
- T: Tobacco
These cash crops were crucial to the economy of colonial Georgia, as they drove trade and land use policies in the region.