Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558–88 - 4…
Full specification wording
Option B4: Key topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558–88 - 4 Attempted colonisation of Virginia: Reasons for the attempted colonisation of Virginia, including the significance of Raleigh.
The attempted colonisation of Virginia was driven by economic, political, and strategic motives.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The attempted colonisation of Virginia was driven by economic, political, and strategic motives. Economically, England sought new markets for its woollen cloth and access to valuable resources like gold, timber, and exotic crops, reducing reliance on European trade. Politically and strategically, a North American base would allow English privateers to attack Spanish treasure fleets more effectively, challenging Spain's dominance. Walter Raleigh played a crucial role; although he did not sail himself, he used his influence at court to secure a royal patent from Elizabeth I in 1584. Raleigh invested his own wealth, organised the expeditions, recruited colonists, and named the territory 'Virginia' in honour of the Virgin Queen, thereby elevating the project's prestige and securing vital backing.
What earns the marks
- Identify economic motives, such as the desire for new trade markets and raw materials.
- Explain the strategic aim of establishing a base to attack Spanish ships and challenge Spanish power.
- Describe Raleigh's role in securing the royal patent and royal favour for the expedition.
- Detail Raleigh's financial and organisational contributions, including raising funds and recruiting colonists.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Raleigh personally led the expedition to Virginia.
Put it right by explaining he remained in England while organising and funding it.
Assuming the primary goal was religious freedom.
Put it right by emphasising economic gain and strategic advantage against Spain.
Confusing the 1580s Roanoke voyages with the later successful Jamestown settlement.
Put it right by focusing on the Elizabethan attempts organised by Raleigh.
Exam tips
- When discussing Raleigh's significance, focus on his role as a facilitator and financier rather than an explorer.
- Link the colonisation attempt to the wider context of Anglo-Spanish rivalry in the 1580s.
- Use specific examples of desired resources, such as timber for shipbuilding or new markets for English cloth.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B4: Key topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558–88 - 4 Attempted colonisation of Virginia: Reasons for the attempted colonisation of Virginia, including the significance of Raleigh. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was one of the main economic reasons for the Elizabethan attempt to colonise Virginia?
Listen
The attempted colonisation of Virginia was driven by economic, political, and strategic motives. Economically, England sought new markets for its woollen cloth and access to valuable resources like gold, timber, and exotic crops, reducing reliance on European trade. Politically and strategically, a North American base would allow English privateers to attack Spanish treasure fleets more effectively, challenging Spain's dominance. Walter Raleigh played a crucial role; although he did not sail himself, he used his influence at court to secure a royal patent from Elizabeth I in 1584. Raleigh invested his own wealth, organised the expeditions, recruited colonists, and named the territory 'Virginia' in honour of the Virgin Queen, thereby elevating the project's prestige and securing vital backing. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify economic motives, such as the desire for new trade markets and raw materials. Explain the strategic aim of establishing a base to attack Spanish ships and challenge Spanish power. Describe Raleigh's role in securing the royal patent and royal favour for the expedition. Detail Raleigh's financial and organisational contributions, including raising funds and recruiting colonists. A common slip: Stating that Raleigh personally led the expedition to Virginia. Instead, explaining he remained in England while organising and funding it. Exam tip: When discussing Raleigh's significance, focus on his role as a facilitator and financier rather than an explorer.
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