key term - Founding of Savannah

Definition

The founding of Savannah in 1733 marked the establishment of the first city in Georgia and was a significant event in the colony's history. It served as a strategic port and a planned city designed by James Oglethorpe, emphasizing social reform and economic opportunity under the Trustee system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Savannah was designed using a grid layout, featuring public squares that promoted community interaction and organization.
2. Oglethorpe intended Savannah to be a refuge for impoverished individuals, allowing them to start anew in America.
3. The city was strategically located along the Savannah River, which aided in trade and commerce, making it an economic hub.
4. The founding of Savannah set the tone for the socio-economic policies of Georgia, which included restrictions on slavery and land ownership initially.
5. Savannah became a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, including Scottish, English, and Jewish settlers, reflecting Oglethorpe's vision of diversity.

Review Questions

• How did James Oglethorpe's vision influence the layout and social structure of Savannah?
  • James Oglethorpe's vision for Savannah was focused on creating a socially equitable environment. He designed the city with a grid layout that included public squares to foster community interactions. This layout encouraged civic involvement and reflected Oglethorpe's goal of promoting social reform, as he believed that a well-organized city would lead to better societal outcomes.
• Discuss the economic implications of Savannah's location along the Savannah River for its development under the Trustee system.
  • Savannah's strategic location along the Savannah River had significant economic implications for its development. The river provided vital access for trade and transportation, facilitating commerce with other colonies and Europe. Under the Trustee system, this economic potential was harnessed to support Oglethorpe's vision of a self-sustaining community that could thrive through agriculture and trade, making it an essential part of Georgia's economy.
• Evaluate how the founding of Savannah contributed to shaping Georgia's socio-political landscape in its early years.
  • The founding of Savannah was pivotal in shaping Georgia's socio-political landscape by establishing it as a unique colony focused on reform and opportunity. The emphasis on creating a society for debtors and those seeking a fresh start set it apart from other colonies. Furthermore, the initial restrictions on slavery and land ownership reflected Oglethorpe's ideals of equality and communal responsibility. This approach laid the groundwork for Georgia's evolving identity, influencing its political policies and social dynamics in subsequent years.

Related terms

James Oglethorpe:

The founder of Georgia and Savannah, he was an Englishman who envisioned the colony as a place for debtors and the poor, promoting social equality and economic opportunity.

Trustee system: A governance model where trustees were appointed to manage the colony of Georgia, ensuring that it operated under specific regulations aimed at social reform and economic development.

Savannah River:

A vital waterway that facilitated trade and transportation, the Savannah River played a crucial role in the economic development of Savannah as a port city.