What group was known for opposing Oglethorpe's policies regarding land ownership and slavery?

The group known for opposing Oglethorpe's policies regarding land ownership and slavery was the Malcontents. This group emerged in the early years of the Georgia colony when James Oglethorpe, the colony's founder, established strict regulations intended to avoid social problems found in other colonies, particularly by prohibiting slavery and restricting land ownership.

The Malcontents were primarily composed of settlers, many of whom were of Scottish descent, who believed these restrictions hindered their ability to profit and develop their farms. They were particularly frustrated by the limits on land ownership, which they felt were insufficient for their ambitions. The Malcontents advocated for the legalization of slavery as a means of increasing labor and improving economic conditions, and they pressured the colonial government for changes to Oglethorpe's policies.

This group's actions and demands eventually led to significant changes in the colony's regulations, including the eventual introduction of slavery, which played a central role in the economic development of Georgia. Understanding the Malcontents' opposition to Oglethorpe's vision provides insight into the early conflict between idealism and practical economic considerations in the founding of Georgia.