The Jamestown colony finally found success through several key developments: the introduction of private property, the establishment of self-government (notably the House of Burgesses in 1619), and the cultivation of tobacco as a lucrative cash crop. Initially, Jamestown struggled with disease, food shortages, poor leadership, and hostile relations with Native Americans. However, around 1616-1617, the Virginia Company implemented reforms that created incentives for colonists to work hard by granting land ownership and guaranteeing rights similar to those of Englishmen. Tobacco farming, pioneered by John Rolfe, became economically vital and transformed the colony into a profitable enterprise. Additionally, the arrival of women and the first representative legislature helped stabilize and grow the settlement, which then began to thrive despite ongoing challenges like high mortality and conflicts with Native Americans.