1619 Jamestown craftsmen strike facts for kids
The Jamestown Polish craftsmen's strike of 1619 was a big event that happened in the early settlement of Jamestown. This was part of the Virginia colony in North America. It was the very first recorded strike in North America!
Skilled workers from Poland were sent to Jamestown by the Virginia Company. Their job was to make important materials like pitch, tar, and turpentine. These materials were super important for building ships.
In 1619, the colony held its first election. But many settlers, including the Polish craftsmen, were not allowed to vote. Why? Because they were not from England. So, the craftsmen decided to stop working. This is what we call a strike!
Because these skilled workers were so important for making valuable goods for the colony, the leaders of the company listened to their demands. They gave full voting rights to the workers from other parts of Europe.
Contents
How the Strike Happened
Polish Workers Arrive in Jamestown
John Smith, a famous explorer, met many talented Polish craftsmen in 1602. He was very impressed by their skills. At that time, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a huge kingdom in Europe. It covered many countries we know today.
Early in Jamestown's history, John Smith and the Virginia Company started asking workers from mainland Europe to come to their new colony. The first of these foreign workers arrived in 1608. Two of these workers even saved Smith's life during an attack by Native Americans. This story is written in Smith's own books. People at the time called these first foreign workers "Dutchmen and Poles."
Making Important Goods
The foreign craftsmen quickly started making things like glassware, pitch, and potash. They began this work soon after they arrived in 1608. These goods were used by the people living in the colony. But they were also very important because they were the first goods sent from the colony back to Europe!
Later, more skilled workers came to Jamestown. They continued to make tar, resin, and turpentine. They also produced clapboard and frankincense. All these items were valuable for the colony and for trade.
Fighting for the Right to Vote
In 1619, the Jamestown colony held its very first elections. But the colony leaders decided that only settlers of English descent could vote. This meant that about 50 Polish craftsmen and their families were not allowed to vote. They were told they couldn't vote because they were not English.
In response, the craftsmen refused to work. They said they would not go back to work until they were given the right to vote. This was a big problem for the colony. The Virginia Company's Council realized how important these workers were.
The Company Gives In
Because of the strike, the company leaders changed their minds. They decided to give the craftsmen the right to vote. At the same time, they made a deal with the craftsmen. The craftsmen agreed to teach young men from the colony their skills.
The company leaders were worried about a few things. They feared losing money and labor if the strike continued. They also worried that the colony might get a bad reputation. They didn't want people to think Jamestown was unfriendly to skilled workers who were not English. So, the strike ended with a win for the Polish craftsmen!
Related Reading
- "Jamestown Colony: A Political, Social, and Cultural History (2007)"
