Final answer:
Had the Roanoke Colony survived, its continuation might have expedited the English colonization process ahead of Jamestown, potentially changing the course of relations and engagements with the Native Americans and European competitors. The failure of Roanoke served as a tough lesson in colonial strategy for the English. The colony's fate is uncertain, but theories suggest the settlers might have integrated with the Croatoan tribe or met their end through disease, starvation, or violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the Roanoke Colony had survived, the landscape of English colonization would likely have seen an earlier start with potentially greater influence on the region. The success of Roanoke could have meant earlier and stronger relations with local Native Americans or even earlier competition with other European powers. The failure of Roanoke, 20 years before Jamestown, provided critical lessons in diplomacy and logistics for subsequent English efforts. It is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that Roanoke would fail; however, Governor White and Sir Walter Raleigh did face significant obstacles such as supply shortages, the threat of the Spanish Armada, and a tenuous relationship with the natives, which should have indicated the potential difficulties in sustaining such a colony.
Based on historical records and the word 'Croatoan' found carved at the abandoned colony, it is widely believed that the settlers left Roanoke Island and went to the nearby Croatoan Island. But the exact fate of those settlers remains a mystery. Possible theories include assimilation with the Croatoan tribe, death from disease or starvation, or being victims of violence, either from Native American tribes or other causes.