Raleigh and the attempted colonization of Virginia

• Between 1584-85, Raleigh organized a failed expedition to colonise Virginia, but did not participate in it
• In 1584, Elizabeth gave Raleigh a grant to explore North America and settle land there. He encouraged people to leave their homes and come with him to settle land there
• England would be less reliant on trade with France, Spain and Italy if they could find similar resources in Virginia
• Two Algonquian Indians travelled to England and encouraged the English to go there. English people were also tempted as natives were overall friendly
• Colonising Virginia would give a foundation for attacking other Spanish colonies in North America and show the Indian tribes that the England would be better rulers than the Spanish
• The expedition to Virginia involved 107 colonists. They were led by Richard Grenville.
• The expedition to Virginia was mostly made up of soldiers and sailors, but some farmers and merchants were also involved
• The colonists took food and salt to keep it fresh. They also bought tools for farming and weapons to protect themselves from attack