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The First Representative Assembly in America: An Examination
HIST 356: Virginia History
Connor King
Introduction
The 17th century was an era of exploration and colonization, with the establishment of
the first representative assembly in America in 1619 marking a significant milestone in the
annals of history. This occurrence was not just a testament to governance and lawmaking in the
New World but also a reflection of settlers' ambitions and aspirations. By delving deep into the
“Proceedings of the Virginia Assembly, 1619” and drawing insights from "For the Glory of God
and the Good of the Plantation" in
Remembering the Old Dominion
, this paper will exemplify the
significance of this historical moment.
The Importance of Laws in Virginia by 1619
As the Virginia colony grew and evolved, the importance of a codified system of
governance became increasingly evident. Early settlers, many of whom were accustomed to the
structured legal systems of Europe, quickly realized that the unique challenges of the New World
required an adapted approach to law and order.
1
Confrontations with indigenous tribes, differing opinions on land use and ownership, and
even internal disagreements among the settlers underscored the urgency for a system to manage
disputes and guide collective actions. However, these laws were not merely about resolving
conflicts; they represented the aspirations of the community.
2
The laws served as a reflection of the settlers' values and their vision for the colony.
Beyond providing a framework for daily operations and decisions, they symbolized the settlers'
commitment to establishing a society that could stand the test of time.
3
1 Whitlock, Matthew . “For the Glory of God and the Good of the Plantation.” In
Remembering the Old Dominion
,
22. Cognella Academic Publishing.
2 Ibid., 25
33 Whitlock, Matthew . “For the Glory of God and the Good of the Plantation.” In
Remembering the Old Dominion
,
36. Cognella Academic Publishing.
The Assembly's Agenda
When the Assembly convened, their priorities were clear: fortify the colony's defenses,
ensure equitable trade, and provide a voice for every segment of society. By emphasizing
equitable representation, the Assembly highlighted the importance of every settler's voice,
making clear that every individual, regardless of their status or role, played a part in the colony's
future.
4
The Laws: Benefitting Towns and Plantations Alike
In the Virginia colony, towns and plantations were pivotal elements in establishing a
thriving society. Their unique roles and challenges were recognized and addressed by the
Assembly's regulations.
Towns, emerging as centers of trade and cultural convergence, became the heartbeat of
the colony. They required laws to streamline commerce and manage growth. Regulations were
crafted to ensure fair trade practices, which in turn attracted more settlers and merchants.
5
As
these towns grew, so did the need for civic guidelines. Laws were instituted to define land use,
promote public safety, and ensure communal harmony, making towns structured and vibrant
environments.
6
On the other hand, plantations, the agricultural lifelines of the colony, had distinct
challenges. Being expansive and often isolated, they needed protection from potential threats and
exploitation. Laws ensured they received fair prices for their produce, thus safeguarding their
economic interests.
7
Additionally, to maintain their productivity, regulations promoted
4 Ibid., 28
5 Ibid., 28
6 Ibid., 29
7 Whitlock, Matthew . “For the Glory of God and the Good of the Plantation.” In
Remembering the Old Dominion
,
29. Cognella Academic Publishing.
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sustainable farming techniques and defined the rights and duties of laborers, considering the
increasing dependence on both free and enslaved labor.
8
Religion’s Role
The religious undertones in the laws were unmistakable. The settlers, mostly devout
Christians, infused their laws with their deeply held beliefs, intertwining governance with
morality.
9
They saw their journey and their mission in the New World not merely as an earthly
endeavor but as a divine mandate. "For the Glory of God and the Good of the Plantation" is
emblematic of this sentiment, suggesting that the settlers were here to serve both God and their
community.
10
Dissecting Two Integral Laws
The law which stated that "English statutes held in force" was particularly significant. It
served as a tether to England, reminding settlers of their roots and obligations to the Crown.
11
Meanwhile, the decree ensuring "a uniform measure in trade" was revolutionary, embedding
fairness into the very fabric of the colony's economic system, promoting both growth and
equity.
12
The Laws’ Effectiveness
For the settlers, these laws were a beacon of order and civility. However, the indigenous
populations, often at odds with the settlers’ vision, found these laws to be invasive, leading to
8 Ibid., 32
9 Ibid., 34
10 Ibid., 34
11 Ibid., 24
12 Whitlock, Matthew . “For the Glory of God and the Good of the Plantation.” In
Remembering the Old Dominion
,
32. Cognella Academic Publishing.
their displacement. Additionally, the heavy tilt towards plantation agriculture eventually
increased dependence on enslaved Africans, who were notably absent from the protections of
these laws.
13
Conclusion
The 1619 Virginia Assembly was more than a historical event; it was a declaration of
intent and purpose. While the laws provided much-needed structure, their effectiveness was a
mosaic of perspectives. The same laws that fortified the settlers' resolve and vision also
inadvertently laid the groundwork for societal and racial challenges that America would grapple
with for centuries to come.
Works Cited
Tyler, Lyon Gardiner, ed. “Proceedings of the Virginia Assembly, 1619.”
www.winsconsinhistory.org, 2003.
https://content.wisconsinhistory.org/digital/collection/aj/id/4871/.
Whitlock, Matthew. “For the Glory of God and the Good of the Plantation.” Essay. In
Remembering the Old Dominion: Readings on Virginia History
. Cognella, Inc., 2017.
13 Ibid., 37