Question

Why were the first attempts of England to settle the New World unsuccessful?

A) Lack of adequate resources and supplies
B) Conflict with Native American tribes
C) Harsh weather conditions
D) Inadequate leadership and organization
E) Lack of support and funding from England

Answer 1

The early English efforts to settle the New World failed due to multiple challenges: inadequate resources, hostile relations with Native Americans, severe weather, poor leadership, and insufficient support from England. The Jamestown colony struggled until the cultivation of tobacco established a stable and profitable economy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first attempts of England to settle the New World were unsuccessful due to a combination of factors. Lack of adequate resources and supplies, conflict with Native American tribes, harsh weather conditions, inadequate leadership and organization, and lack of support and funding from England all played a role in the early failures.

The Jamestown settlers faced numerous hardships such as starvation, disease, internal political disputes, and military conflicts with the Powhatan tribe. The infamous winter of 1609-1610, known as “the starving time”, almost caused the colony's demise.

Additionally, the initial focus on finding gold and silver detracted from more essential tasks such as growing food. Only with the introduction of tobacco as a cash crop did the colony of Jamestown begin to show signs of stability and profit for the Virginia Company.