Imagine the difficulty of demanding colonies in the New World with constant attacks from Natives and the corrupt system of government only tailored to that of the elite, and no obvious assistance from Britain. This was how it was in Virginia in Colony in 1676. Other factors include economic, disputes over land, and the increased violence shown by Indians all play a key role in the Bacon’s Rebellion. Often this rebellion is rendered a frustrating time but significant in the way that it proved that simply colonist could come together for a purpose and fight against those who are supposed to be in authority. The prominent figures such as governor Sir William Berkeley, who was hand selected by the King to the position of governor for Berkeley had an upstanding reputation, respected, and a veteran of the English Civil War. Berkeley had the tendency to have favorites and only grant land to the ones of who in most cases would be of the higher class. The polar opposite was that of Nathaniel Bacon, who was sent to America by Bacon's father in hopes that this transition would help to mature his attitude. Bacon takes a position on the council in 1675 sent forth by Berkeley. The first account of the start of this rebellion is by …show more content…
Bacon and his followers marched up to the statehouse requiring to be given commission and without government interference. If this demand was not fulfilled hasty action was going to take place by Bacon. Succumbing to Bacon's requests backfired for Berkeley as Bacon soon comes to pass the “Declaration of the People” which basically stated that Berkeley was unjust and protecting the Natives for self-centered purposes. Berkeley had escaped and once strong enough went back to Jamestown and took control. Consequently, Bacon died and led to Berkeley to having complete authority, ending the rebellion in
Bacon was a man of opportunity and when a farmer that tried to trade with Native Americans was killed, it became his ticket to making it big in the New World. Only the governor, William Berkley, was allowed to trade with the Native Americans and nobody else. When the farmer was killed, William Berkley denied the upset colonists their desire to fight back. In doing so, it led Bacon to challenge his authority. He began to rally up colonists living in the backcountry where the colonists had no representation, no opportunity to achieve a fortune, and lived in a hostile environment. Everything those colonists did not have would be Bacon’s leverage in convincing them to support him and his cause. He had led 1,000 men to fight with him in hopes to rule the colony and would make changes to their benefit. William Berkley then branded Bacon as a rebel and sent for British troops. Bacon and his supporters then went into the backcountry where he eventually died of
The common theme throughout is Governor Berkeley’s inability to effectively maintain political influence in a steadily decentralized society. Billings’ introduction clearly defines the topics he will be discussing, while his conclusion wraps up his argument succinctly by answering the question of why Bacon’s Rebellion did not occur prior to 1676. “The rebellion came when it did because by 1676 the factors which contributed to the colony’s instability coalesced to create a potentially explosive situation in which large numbers of people were psychologically prepared to rebel.”
James D. Rice’s Tales From a Revolution is perhaps one of the most important works on early Colonial America. This concise and informative narrative focuses on an important event in American History that has simply been overlooked by many Americans and historians, Bacon’s Rebellion, which occurred in 1676. This revolt played a significant role in the course of history at a pivotal time in early America. Rice focuses on much more than the actual revolt, giving a very vivid and easy to comprehend overview of the occurrences that took place before, during, and after this climactic and transformative event in history that would be one of the first of many rebellions and revolutions that would gradually pave the way for the foundation of America.
In “Bacon's Declaration in the Name of the People” and “The declaration and Remonstrance of Sir William Berkeley his most sacred Majesties Governor and Captain General of Virginia”, they were pretending to be for the people and the king. They put on a facade to cover up their true intentions. Both Nathaniel Bacon and William Berkeley were insistent on discrediting the other by suggesting disloyalty. There was no way to end their debacle calmly.
In conclusion due to over 150 years of neglect the new colonies had develop a culture and heritage quite unique to the Old world of thought. If Britain had not treated the colonist as cast off rubbish and had given them some guidance, during that 150 yrs., the colonies would not rebel. But after 1763 they insisted that they conform to the old British ways and that would eventually force the colonies into revolution.
With American Indians randomly attacking the colonies, grave economic problems, corruption in the government, a desire for a representative government, and no help from Great Britain, the American colonies were on the brink of rebellion. All that was left to ignite the rebellion was a leader and a spark. Both of these came in the years to follow 1675.
People in the Chesapeake colonies were unhappy with the rich aristocrats running the show. Francis Bacon led a revolt in Virginia against Governor Berkeley. He felt that the lack of unity among all citizens was apparent and needed to change. He felt that the government at the time was doing an inadequate job at public work i.e. safety, defense, advancement of trade (Document H). This problem was not present among the citizens of the New England colonies as the goals of the New England citizens were different (Document A).
During the years of 1675 and 1676 the North American colonies experienced conflicts that shaped the dynamics of their colonial life. King Phillip's War would effectively end relations between the New England colonists and the Indians. Also, the rebellion in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon stressed the growing discontent of poor frontier farmers for British rule. The consequences of these two events clearly had an impact on different levels that would extend well beyond their time. Therefore, the years 1675 and 1676 played a very significant role in the Northern American colonies.
Bacon's Declaration in the Name of the People (30 July 1676) The Declaracon of the People.1.For haveing upon specious pretences of publiqe works raised greate unjust taxes upon the Comonality for the advancement of private favorites and other sinister ends, but noe visible effects in any measure adequate, For not haveing dureing this long time of his Gouvernement in any measure advanced this hopefull Colony either by fortificacons Townes or Trade. 2.For haveing abused and rendred contemptable the Magistrates of Justice, by advanceing to places of Judicature, scandalous and Ignorant favorites. 3.For haveing wronged his Majesties prerogative and interest, by assumeing Monopoly of the Beaver trade, and for haveing in that unjust gaine betrayed
But the way Bacon ruled the government when Berkeley fled after burning down Jamestown he generated great support from the small farmers, men with no land, servants and some African Americans as well these supporters made up the bulk of his army. Berkeley was a man who wanted peace with the Indians this is why he came up with “The Long Assembly” a government established to monitor trading with the Indians. This assembly was not well received by everyone Berkeley had some of his supporters that felt he was not on their side this is why he came up with this assembly to give the supporters an olive branch to show he was flexible to their needs. All in all both men where strong willed and this lead to a power struggle that eventually started the path of war between the people of
When communication breaks down, dissent has no way to grow. Throughout the latter half of the seventeenth century the Chesapeake elite, when forced to, found ways to effectively silence rebellions by cutting the cords of communication amongst the lower classes. The wealthy planters simply undervalued the cooperation between the “dangerous rabble” that was slaves, servants, and poor freeman. Transitioning a labor system works best when people are left without knowledge or ways to communicate. Had the unifying forces between the servant, slaves, and poor freeman been severed earlier, Bacon’s Rebellion may never have occurred. This cooperation left a region polarized for nearly half a century, but it also set a proper example for a much more famous uprising nearly a century later.
...able behavior far different from that of rebellion.” The colonists held their tongues as long as they could, but in 1676, their frustration grew too strong. Bacon and a thousand Virginians rebelled and overthrew the governor, in what is known as Bacon’s Rebellion. Shortly after the rebellion, Bacon died, and Governor Berkeley returned and viciously crushed the brigands.
Bacon’s rebellion was a messy but important experiment in expressing the people’s will under the colonial rule of England. History is still developing its interpretation of its causes and effects, but there is no doubt that without Bacon’s actions America’s history might be different today. His actions pointed to a general desire for the kind of self-determination that democracy provides, even if it didn’t quite produce it like the American Revolution did.
Gary B. Nash argues that the American Revolution portrayed “radicalism” in the sense on how the American colonies and its protesters wanted to accommodate their own government. Generally what Gary B. Nash is trying to inform the reader is to discuss the different conditions made by the real people who were actually fighting for their freedom. In his argument he makes it clear that throughout the revolution people showed “radicalism” in the result of extreme riots against the Stamp Act merchants, but as well against the British policies that were implemented. He discusses the urgency of the Americans when it came to declaring their issues against the British on how many slaves became militants and went up against their masters in the fight for a proclamation to free themselves from slavery. But he slowly emerges into the argument on how colonists felt under the
Though not much was accomplished by Bacon’s Revolution, it is a monumental, though unusual, part of American history. The colony’s government structure was unwanted by the people, due to the economic issues and corrupt governor. Under the leadership of the talented Nathaniel Bacon, the rebellion was an important step on the road to African slavery.