Before Georgia could be settled, several important events had to occur:
1. British claims: England claimed control over the territory that would become Georgia after explorer John Cabot's voyages in the 16th century. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that official British claims were made.
2. Establishment of the Charter: In 1732, King George II granted a charter to a group of philanthropists led by James Oglethorpe, officially establishing the colony of Georgia. The charter outlined the goals and guidelines for the settlement.
3. Oglethorpe's expedition: Oglethorpe, along with the first settlers, embarked on a journey across the Atlantic to reach Georgia. They arrived in the area in 1733, and Oglethorpe chose the Yamacraw Bluff as the site for the settlement, which would eventually become Savannah.
4. Negotiations with Native American tribes: Oglethorpe sought to establish peaceful relations with the Native American tribes inhabiting the region, particularly the Yamacraw tribe led by Chief Tomochichi. Through negotiations and diplomacy, Oglethorpe obtained permission and support for the settlement.
5. Fortification and defense: Oglethorpe started constructing a fortification to protect the settlers from potential Spanish or French attacks. He built Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island to provide a defense against Spanish forces from Florida.
6. Agrarian reforms: Oglethorpe instituted a series of social and economic reforms to make Georgia a more equitable and thriving colony. He prohibited slavery and large landholdings, instead emphasizing small farms worked by free settlers and indentured servants.
7. Continued growth and development: With the initial settlement established and defensive measures in place, Georgia gradually grew and expanded. More settlers arrived, agricultural enterprises diversified, and trading relationships with other colonies and Native American tribes were established.
Throughout these steps, the efforts of James Oglethorpe and his vision for a humanitarian and utopian colony played a crucial role in the settlement of Georgia.
What had to happen before Georgia could be settled?
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