2 Minute History Georgia

Georgia, the 13th state to join the United States, was founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe as a colony for debtors and the poor. Initially, it prohibited slavery, but this changed in 1750, leading to a plantation economy reliant on enslaved labor. During the American Revolutionary War, Georgia was a battleground, with significant events like the Siege of Savannah. The state faced challenges during Reconstruction after the Civil War, but it became a key player in the Civil Rights Movement, producing influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Today, Georgia is known for its cultural diversity, historical significance, and economic growth, particularly in cities like Atlanta.