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1. Describe Christopher Columbus' findings in the New World.

Within several days of landing in America, Columbus noted the natives' use of tobacco, by chewing or smoking, and discovered the addictiveness of its use in his own men. Columbus supposedly stated, "It was not within their power to refrain from indulging in the habit."

2. Discuss the early tobacco industry in Virginia.

In Virginia, John Rolfe, who was one of the prominent leaders at Jamestown, was instrumental in founding the American domestic tobacco market. England was all too happy to take in the cheap product with its tax revenue, as opposed to importing it from Spain. Large duties were imposed for all 'non-Virginian' tobacco products. Unfortunately, the Virginian tobacco production was very labor intensive, which led to the increasing use of slave labor. Colonial growers were shut out of the world market and highly taxed. However, the market boomed, and they planted more tobacco and, as a result, used more slaves. Most Virginians expected the revolutionary war to erase their debts from England and supported it primarily for that reason.

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