During Georgia’s early colonial period (1732-1752), a board of individuals governed the territory, establishing guidelines intended to shape its development. These directives, imposed by the governing body, aimed to create a specific type of society in the new colony. For example, regulations addressed land ownership, prohibiting large plantations, and others concerned the kinds of inhabitants allowed in the territory.
The rationale behind these regulations stemmed from a desire to create a colony of small, independent landowners who would contribute to the defense and economic stability of the region. These regulations reflected a utopian vision, intending to avoid social hierarchies and economic inequalities seen in other colonies. However, they also faced challenges, as colonists often desired different arrangements, particularly regarding land ownership and the labor force.
