Most early Georgia colonists were English , Scottish , and German artisans seeking arable land or freedom of religion .
Many of them complained to their leaders that the ban on slavery created a labor shortage that impeded local finances , compared to other Southern colonies .
Although most early Georgia colonists were English , Scottish , and German artisans seeking arable land or freedom of religion , many of them complained to their leaders that the ban on slavery created a labor shortage that impeded local finances , compared to other Southern colonies .