English Colonization

In this experience, students explore why the English established colonies and how different goals shaped their success. They compare these early settlements to understand how motivations like profit and religion influenced colonial outcomes.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students examine the development of the English colonies by exploring the reasons for colonization and comparing early settlement efforts. First, they consider why the English began establishing colonies and investigate the failure of Roanoke. Next, they explore the goals and outcomes of Jamestown and Plymouth, identifying different motivations such as profit and religious freedom. Then, they analyze how their founding purposes influenced each colony’s success. Finally, students are invited to explore a primary source to deepen their understanding of English arguments for colonization.

Estimated Duration: 45–60 minutes

Vocabulary:

Joint stock company: a business where many investors each own a small part, sharing the costs, risks, and profits of starting a colony or other large project
Pilgrims: a group of English Separatists who traveled to North America in 1620 and founded Plymouth Colony to practice their religion freely

Objectives:

Identify the political, economic, and religious motivations behind English colonization efforts in North America.
Compare the purpose, locations, and outcomes of early English colonies.

A group of solemn Pilgrims is gathered inside what appears to be a ship's cabin or a simple dwelling. Several figures are seated or standing around a table with an open book, while others, including women and children, appear weary and rest in the foreground and background.

The Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact

Starting something new is rarely easy, especially when it means leaving behind your home and everything familiar. In the late 1500s and early 1600s, the English made several early attempts to start colonies in North America. Some of these efforts, like Roanoke, ended in mystery or failure. Others, like Jamestown and Plymouth, eventually grew into lasting communities.

In this lesson, you’ll explore what made the English want to start colonies, why some efforts worked while others didn’t, and how these early experiences shaped the development of the thirteen colonies.

Objectives:

Identify the political, economic, and religious motivations behind English colonization efforts in North America.
Compare the purpose, locations, and outcomes of early English colonies.

The first English attempts to start colonies in North America didn’t always work. What do you think might cause a new colony to fail or succeed?

Post your answer

Scene 1 is meant to get students curious about early English colonization. The goal is to explore what makes a colony succeed or fail.

Students might bring up ideas like location, leadership, food, or relationships with Indigenous peoples. You do not need to correct misconceptions at this stage. This is about getting students engaged and thinking. However, consider choosing to share a few answers that may give students hints at the reasons for the first English colonies’ failures.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.