Final answer:
The British hoped that the colony of Georgia would act as a military buffer to block attacks from Spanish Florida, defending British interests and providing protection for the Carolinas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British hoped that the colony of Georgia would serve as a military buffer to block attacks from Spanish Florida. The creation of Georgia as a barrier was a strategic imperial decision. Given the ongoing conflicts and the threat of Spanish incursions, Georgia was established as a garrison province aimed at defending British interests. Additionally, the colony was advertised as a new start for the "worthy poor" of England, offering an alternative to debtor’s prison. Over time, Georgia also acted as a front-line defense in various conflicts, such as the War of Jenkins’ Ear and King George’s War, wherein the British forces engaged with the Spanish in Florida.
James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, promoted the colony emphasizing its defensive role. Parliament, seeing the value in having a colony to protect the lucrative Carolinas, supported the endeavor financially. Despite initial struggles with industries like wine and silk, the value of Georgia in British military strategy was clear, as it provided a crucial buffer against both Spanish forces and allied Native American tribes.