Governor James Wright in Georgia, 1760-1782.

One of a series of pamphlets about the American Revolution in Georgia, this document examines the role of James Wright as British governor in the colony, and his viewpoints about revolution from 1765-1775. The pamphlet can be used as supplementary reading or as a one-week unit for junior or senior high school students. A brief teacher's guide is included. Wright, a conservative, believed in a structured society, in the benefits of alliance with the British Empire to the colonies, and in slow orderly change. Throughout his governorhsip he endeavored to promote peace with the Indians and to attract increased population in order to grow more agricultural products and to defend the frontier. He engineered two successful land cessions from the Indians and strove to keep settlers from encroaching on Indian-owned land. He himself invested in Georgia property and owned large plantations. Early in his term, he won colonists' respect by debating political issues in private conversation and through leading councilors rather than through public argument. However, when Britain began levying taxes upon the colonies, Wright upheld British authority and enforced the new laws. As opposition grew in the colonial representative government, Wright was forced to dissolve the rebelling political groups. However, as other colonies asserted rights for provincial congresses, Wright's authority in Georgia was overpowered. He ultimately retired in England and tried to obtain financial compensation for his losses. The teacher's guide presents activities, discussion questions, and a crossword puzzle based on the text. (Author/AV)