WHAT IF Oglethorpe stayed in England with the other Trustees?

Answer: If James Oglethorpe had stayed in England with the other Trustees rather than traveling to the New World, the history of the Georgia colony may have unfolded differently. Oglethorpe played a crucial role in the establishment and governing of the Georgia colony, which was founded in 1733.

1. No Direct Leadership: Oglethorpe's absence in the colony would mean that there would be no effective leadership present on the ground. As one of the key leaders, Oglethorpe's vision and direct involvement were instrumental in the initial success of the settlement. Without him, someone else would have had to take on those responsibilities, and they may not have followed the same policies or had the same charisma and leadership skills.

2. Different Policies: Oglethorpe was known for his humanitarian policies, including the banning of slavery and alcohol in the colony, as well as his friendly relations with Native Americans. If he had not been in Georgia, these policies may not have been as strictly enforced or even implemented. The direction and principles of the colony could have changed substantially.

3. Savannah's Development: As the founder of Savannah, Oglethorpe had a significant influence on the city's planning and early development. His vision of a city designed around squares and wards was unique and influenced urban planning. Without his presence, the design and development of Savannah might have been less structured and lacked the innovation that Oglethorpe brought.

4. Relations with Native Americans: Oglethorpe established peaceful relations with the local Native American tribes, which may not have occurred if someone else took his place. This could have led to conflicts and a less stable establishment of the colony.

5. Survival of the Colony: Oglethorpe's leadership was vital during the early years. His dedication to the social experiment that was Georgia provided the necessary stability and adjustments to ensure the survival of the colony. If he were absent, the colony might have struggled more and possibly could have failed due to lack of proper guidance and governance, especially during conflicts like those with Spanish Florida.

Overall, Oglethorpe’s presence in Georgia was critical to the early success of the colony. His absence would likely have led to significant changes in its development, possibly altering the course of what we now know as the state of Georgia.