11. Forced Labor and Harsh Work Regimens
Captain John Smith, who became president of the Jamestown council in 1608, implemented strict labor policies to ensure the colony’s survival. He famously declared, “He that will not work shall not eat,” compelling all colonists, regardless of social status, to contribute to essential tasks such as farming, construction, and defense. This policy aimed to address the inefficiencies of the initial settlers, many of whom were unaccustomed to manual labor. While these measures were effective in increasing productivity, they also led to internal conflicts and resentment among the colonists. (nps.gov)
