In this lecture, Professor Totten argues English colonization experienced several setbacks before finally flourishing in the mid-seventeenth century. Conditions in England, such as surging populations and oppressive economic policies, led to the rise of the study beggars, which worried middle and upper-class Englishmen. These men desired fame and wealth associated with colonization and used cooperative ventures, like joint stock companies, to fund their efforts. The English used the experiences of cultural oppression, torture, and warfare against the Irish in their relations with various native tribes. After the inglorious failure at Roanoke, Jamestown was founded, though suffered from its poor location and the intransigence of the settlers. John Smith instituted new policies that tied work to rations, but these were abandoned after he left the colony due to an injury. The result was the "starving times" where most of Jamestown population died. It was only the timely arrival of reinforcements that saved the English venture from failure. Jamestown survived only because of the headright system and the use of indetured servants, who died in large numbers. Tobacco, a cash crop, fueled further immigration into colony of Virginia and allowed it to thrive.

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