Bacon's Rebellion: Revolt In Colonial Virginia

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Bacon’s Rebellion Bacon’s Rebellion was a revolt in Colonial Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor William Berkeley in 1676. Land given to indentured servants were being raided by native americans. They wanted roaming natives to be dismissed, they were said to disrupt the peace and farm lands. As the Indians continued their raids, the people took action, however they attacked a peaceful tribe on the Susquehannocks. This increased dissension. The farmer, Nathaniel Bacon, brought together “poor black and white farmers” and rose up against Native American tribes and Governor William Berkeley. Berkeley became disliked by many of the colonists and frontiersmen when he made poor decisions towards them. His actions justified that his …show more content…

They fled to Governor Berkeley for help; however he did not support them. So, Bacon gathered other men and decided they were going to control the matter. Taking matters into his own hands, Bacon started a war with the Native Americans. Nathaniel “led two unauthorized but successful expeditions against the tribes and was then elected to the new House of Burgesses.” Soon to have him released, Berkeley sent him to jail. Bacon’s men then marched to Jamestown armed, for Berkeley to give permission to continue with the actions with the Indians. With many arguments from Berkeley and Bacon, it ended with Bacon finally taking charge of the capital. However, Bacon was scared he couldn’t hold it against attack so; Bacon burned the capital at Jamestown to the ground on September 19, 1676. Before long, the rebellion came to a sudden halt due to Bacon’s death. Berkeley then took power again. Bacon’s rebellion was the first rebellion in American colonies that frontiersmen took part in. “Bacon's Rebellion unified different races and economic classes” and people were given back their rights. It was one of the first times in the history of America that people had a say in government and for their right to

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