Thomas Dale really turned things around for Jamestown after things had been pretty rough. His leadership, especially after he became governor in 1611, was critical for the colony’s survival. One of the big things he did was institute a strict set of laws that included harsh punishments for those who didn’t follow them. This military discipline was something Dale was really familiar with, having served as an officer in the army. He understood that a lack of discipline could lead to chaos, and he was all about control. He also oversaw military expeditions to improve the colony’s security and pushed for the settlers to focus on agriculture, which really helped the colony become more self-sufficient. His background in the military made him a no-nonsense leader, but it was exactly what Jamestown needed to stay afloat.