Early Settlers of Jamestown: Seeking Wealth in the New World

What were the initial settlers in Jamestown after?

English men and boys settled at Jamestown. They were after gold.

Answer:

Initial settlers in Jamestown, under the Virginia Company, were seeking economic success primarily in the form of gold and silver.

The early settlers of Jamestown, under the Virginia Company, embarked on a journey to the New World in search of riches and prosperity. Their primary goal was to discover valuable resources like gold and silver that would bring economic success both to themselves and to the investors of the Virginia Company.

However, the reality of Jamestown turned out to be harsh and challenging. The settlers faced difficulties such as poor health, food shortages, and conflicts with the indigenous population. Their initial quest for precious metals did not bear fruit, leading them to explore alternative ways to sustain themselves and generate profit.

It was the cultivation and export of tobacco to Europe that proved to be the economic salvation for the settlers. Despite the arduous physical labor required for growing tobacco, it became the main source of income for the colony and contributed significantly to its profitability.

Overall, while the initial settlers of Jamestown set out in search of gold and silver, it was the cultivation of tobacco that became the foundation of Virginia's economy and ensured the survival and growth of the settlement.