Roanoke in AP US History

Definition

Roanoke refers to the first attempted English colony in North America, established in 1585 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. This colony is often referred to as the 'Lost Colony' due to its mysterious disappearance, which has led to much speculation and intrigue about the early attempts at colonization in the New World.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roanoke Colony was established by Sir Walter Raleigh and was part of England's efforts to compete with Spain for territory in the Americas.
2. The first group of settlers arrived at Roanoke Island in 1585, but they faced harsh conditions and conflicts with local Native American tribes.
3. A second group of settlers arrived in 1587, including Virginia Dare, but when John White returned from England in 1590, he found the colony deserted with no trace of its inhabitants.
4. The mystery of Roanoke's disappearance has led to various theories, including assimilation with Native American tribes or relocation to another area.
5. Roanoke's failure highlighted the challenges of establishing colonies in the New World and paved the way for later attempts at colonization, like Jamestown.

Review Questions

• What were some of the challenges faced by the settlers at Roanoke, and how did these contribute to the colony's fate?
  • Settlers at Roanoke faced numerous challenges, including food shortages, harsh weather conditions, and conflicts with local Native American tribes. These difficulties made it hard for the colony to thrive. The lack of support from England, especially after Sir Walter Raleigh's failed attempts to resupply them, ultimately contributed to their isolation and disappearance.
• Analyze the significance of Virginia Dare's birth within the context of Roanoke and early English colonization efforts.
  • Virginia Dare's birth was significant as she became a symbol of hope for English colonization efforts. Born in 1587 as the first child of English parents in the New World, her existence represented the potential for successful settlements. However, her fate remains unknown along with those of her family and other settlers, emphasizing the uncertainty and danger that characterized early colonial endeavors.
• Evaluate how the Roanoke experience influenced later English colonization strategies in North America.
  • The Roanoke experience served as a cautionary tale that influenced later strategies for English colonization. The failure prompted a reevaluation of how colonies should be established and supplied. Lessons learned from Roanoke led to more organized efforts such as Jamestown, where there was better planning, support from England, and stronger alliances with Native Americans. This shift helped lay the groundwork for more sustainable colonies in North America.

Related terms

Sir Walter Raleigh: An English explorer and politician who sponsored the Roanoke expeditions and sought to establish a permanent English settlement in North America.

Jamestown:

The first successful permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607, which followed the failed attempts at Roanoke.

Virginia Dare: The first child born to English parents in the New World, born in Roanoke Colony in 1587, symbolizing the potential for successful colonization.