Question

What type of laws do you think Virginia settlers would have liked the Burgesses to pass? Try to imagine what it was like to be a farmer or merchant in Jamestown - you are essentially living in the wilderness, surrounded by Native Americans, have terrible roads, and are often starving. What might you ask the legislature for? List four specific things. Create a journal entry titled House of Burgesses.

A) Laws to protect against Native American attacks.
B) Improved infrastructure and road development.
C) Food and grain subsidies for struggling farmers.
D) Trade regulations to support merchant businesses.

Answer 1

The Virginia settlers would have requested laws for protection against Native American attacks, improved infrastructure and roads, food subsidies for farmers, and supportive trade regulations for merchants.

Step-by-step explanation:

House of Burgesses

As Virginia settlers living in Jamestown during the early 1600s, certain laws passed by the Virginia House of Burgesses would have been crucial for the well-being and prosperity of both farmers and merchants. If I were to imagine myself as one of the settlers, these would be some specific requests:

• Laws to protect against Native American attacks: Due to the constant threat from Native American tribes, settlers would have wanted assurances of safety and measures for protecting their homes and livelihoods.
• Improved infrastructure and road development: Poor road conditions made transport difficult, hindering trade and communication. Therefore, legislation to construct and maintain roads would be essential.
• Food and grain subsidies for struggling farmers: Many farmers focused on cash crops like tobacco which led to food shortages. Subsidies or policies to encourage food crop cultivation would be sought after to prevent starvation.
• Trade regulations to support merchant businesses: Merchants would require trade laws that promote economic activity and protect their interests in both local and overseas markets.

These legislative actions would not only improve the daily lives of the settlers but also contribute to the long-term development and stability of the colony.