key term - Treaty of Savannah

Definition

The Treaty of Savannah was an agreement signed in 1733 between English settlers and the Native American tribes in the region, specifically the Yamacraw, which established peaceful relations and recognized land rights. This treaty was significant as it played a crucial role in the establishment of Georgia as a British colony by facilitating cooperation and preventing conflicts between the settlers and the indigenous people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Savannah was signed shortly after the founding of Georgia in 1733, allowing for a peaceful coexistence between settlers and the Yamacraw tribe.
2. James Oglethorpe's diplomatic efforts were vital to negotiating this treaty, emphasizing his vision for a colony based on cooperation and mutual respect.
3. The treaty helped establish trade relations between the English settlers and Native Americans, promoting economic growth in the early years of Georgia.
4. It also ensured that the settlers had access to land without immediate conflict, setting a precedent for future agreements with other tribes.
5. The Treaty of Savannah was pivotal in shaping early colonial policies regarding Native American relations in Georgia.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Savannah influence the relationship between English settlers and Native American tribes in Georgia?
  • The Treaty of Savannah significantly influenced relations by establishing a framework for peaceful coexistence between English settlers and Native American tribes, particularly the Yamacraw. By recognizing land rights and promoting trade, it laid the groundwork for cooperation instead of conflict. This treaty not only allowed settlers to establish their colony with less resistance but also set a precedent for future interactions with other indigenous groups.
• What role did James Oglethorpe play in the negotiation of the Treaty of Savannah and its implications for Georgia's early development?
  • James Oglethorpe was crucial in negotiating the Treaty of Savannah, as he understood the importance of maintaining peace with Native Americans for the survival and development of Georgia. His efforts to foster goodwill through diplomacy ensured that settlers could focus on establishing their new home without facing immediate threats from indigenous populations. Oglethorpe's vision influenced Georgia’s initial policies and helped shape its identity as a colony based on cooperation.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Treaty of Savannah on Georgia's colonial policies toward Native Americans and land management.
  • The long-term impacts of the Treaty of Savannah included a pattern of negotiation that characterized Georgia's colonial policies toward Native Americans. While it initially promoted peace and trade, this approach evolved over time into more aggressive land acquisition strategies as more settlers arrived. The treaty laid a foundation that led to complex dynamics in land management and indigenous relations, ultimately contributing to tensions as colonial expansion progressed, altering the landscape of Native American life in Georgia.

Related terms

Yamacraw: A Native American tribe that inhabited the area around present-day Savannah, Georgia, and played a key role in the Treaty of Savannah.

James Oglethorpe:

The founder of the Georgia colony, who was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Savannah and promoting peaceful relations with Native Americans.

Proprietary Colony: A type of colonial administration in which land was granted to individuals or groups by the British crown, such as Georgia under Oglethorpe's leadership.