The King Who Needed Gold | America Before the Revolution

In this immersive episode of Why Wars Happened, uncover the dark and chaotic life of King James I—from his turbulent youth and bloody family drama to his uneasy rule over England and Scotland. Facing crushing debt, rising crime, and competition with Europe, James turned to a dangerous solution: colonizing America.

His gamble gave birth to Jamestown, the first permanent English colony—a settlement built on desperation, danger, and the king’s need for survival. Along the way, we reveal the political intrigue, gruesome details, and hidden struggles that shaped both James’s reign and the future of America.

This is a story of blood, desperation, and power, told through off-camera narration with immersive visuals that pull you deep into history.

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🕰️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Recap

00:24 – The Turbulent Reign of King James I

01:25 – Assassinations and James’s Rise to Power

11:54 – Struggles with Parliament

15:20 – Crushing Debt and Desperation

15:52 – The Race for Colonization

17:15 – The Founding of Jamestown

17:38 – Closing + Next Episode Teaser

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