Sir Walter Raleigh was born around 1554 in Devon, England. He grew up during a time of great change in England, as Queen Elizabeth I ruled and England began to explore the world. Raleigh came from a well-off family and attended Oxford University for a short time. He later became a soldier, fighting in Ireland for the English government.
Raleigh became famous for his adventures during the Age of Exploration. He dreamed of creating English colonies in the New World. He helped plan and support expeditions to North America, including the Roanoke Colony, which became known as the "Lost Colony" because it disappeared without explanation. Although Raleigh never went to Roanoke himself, he played an important role in trying to establish England’s first colonies.
Raleigh was close to Queen Elizabeth I and became one of her favorites. She rewarded him with land, titles, and influence. He was known for his charm and ambition. Raleigh also introduced new goods to England, such as tobacco and potatoes, which came from the Americas. These items became very popular in England and changed people’s daily lives.
After Queen Elizabeth died, Raleigh’s fortunes changed. The new king, James I, did not trust him. Raleigh was accused of plotting against the king and was sent to prison in the Tower of London. He was later released to lead an expedition to South America in search of gold, but the trip failed. When he returned to England, Raleigh was executed in 1618.
1. Which statement best summarizes Sir Walter Raleigh’s contributions during the Age of Exploration?
2. Why was the Roanoke Colony called the “Lost Colony”?
3. Based on the passage, what does Raleigh’s downfall suggest about life at the royal court?
4. How did Raleigh’s actions change daily life in England?
5. What is the main idea of the section “Downfall and Death”?
6. Which two roles best describe Raleigh based on the passage?
7. Which inference can you make about England during Raleigh’s lifetime?