There once was a man named James Oglethorpe, who served as a British soldier and member of Parliament, which is England’s legislative branch. The legislative branch of government makes the laws.

Oglethorpe’s best friend, Robert Castell, could not afford to pay his taxes. He was put into the London’s Fleet Prison, where he had to pay fees for being in prison! Oglethorpe went to visit him often.

What neither of them knew, was that Castell’s cellmate had smallpox…

Oglethorpe was devastated to hear the news of his friend Castell’s death. He decided to devote his life to changing the way the prison systems worked, so that this would not happen to others. His desire to change the prisons is called prison reform. Oglethorpe investigated the prisons and saw the horrible conditions, abuses, and extortion prisoners faced. He also was alarmed that so many British citizens faced jail for no other reason than indebtedness.

Oglethorpe investigated the prisons and saw the horrible conditions, abuses, and extortion prisoners faced. He also was alarmed that so many British citizens were put into jail simply because they were in debt.

He devised a plan that would solve the problems he witnessed in England. He would move all of the worthy poor to the New World. All he needed was to convince the King that it would be a good idea. He went to King George II, prepared to offer 3 reasons why it would be in the King’s interest to allow him to create the colony that he would call…Georgia.

“Your Royal Majesty,” he began, “thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to see a humble servant such as myself. It is such an honor to be in your presence, that I almost forget what it is that I am here for.”

The King replied, “Oglethorpe, it is good to see you. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“Well, your Majesty, I have come with a brilliant idea. I

would like to create a colony in the New World, which I will name Georgia, in your honor!” Oglethorpe began.

“Hmmm, interesting,” the King replied, “tell me more of your thoughts.”

“Well, your Eminence, there are three ways that the creation of

this colony would ensure your place in history as one of the greatest kings to ever live.” Oglethorpe took a deep breath. He knew he had to make his arguments convincing if he were to get his way.

Reason 1

“Your Majesty, how would it look to the people, if you were to allow all the poor, indebted souls that overcrowd your jails to get a second chance to make something of themselves? It would be so charitable of you to do this for your people. They would ooh and aah at how generous you are! The people would forever remember how caring you were for the welfare of all of your people!”

“I see your point. The people would think that I am very kind and generous. King George, the powerful but charitable king. I like the sound of this. Continue, Oglethorpe. You have my attention.”

Reason 2“Oh, your Majesty, that is but one reason it is in your best interest to create this colony. Another reason is that it would strengthen England’s economy. Our system of mercantilism, exporting more goods than we import, can be difficult. We cannot always export more than we want to import. However, a colony in the New World might provide goods for free that we normally have to buy from other countries. Think of it, a free source of resources! Why, it will make you even wealthier!”

“Why, you may just be a genius, Oglethorpe! I value and am impressed by your creative thinking. I am becoming more convinced that you may in fact be correct. However, I still have some concerns about this colony. How do I know that it will truly be worth it?”

Reason 3

“I have one more reason that will surely convince that my idea is worth entertaining. This new Georgia colony could serve as a defense against Spain. Think of it, your Majesty! Spain is in St. Augustine, Florida. If we build a colony above it, it could protect our land in South Carolina from an invasion from Spain. It would be in between Spain and South Carolina—it would be a buffer colony. We could prevent Spain from expanding its land and spreading it blasphemous ideas!”

“That’s it! I’ve heard enough! Oglethorpe, I hereby grant you a charter to create an English colony, named Georgia, for the country of England. I shall entrust you and a group of 22 trustees, who will run and oversee the colony for me, as I will remain here, in England. Be wise in your decisions, Oglethorpe. This is an opportunity to prove our strength over our competition! You must not fail. Good luck!”