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Bacon’s Rebellion



Background info
Nathaniel Bacon was born in the 1640s (the exact date is unknown) in England. In 1673 he left for the Virginia colony, eventually arriving in Jamestown. Bacon saw Governor William Berkeley’s lackluster treatment of his people after several of them were killed by Native Americans, and accused Berkeley of corruption. He led a group of settlers in battles against the Indian tribes in 1676 that ended bloodily for both parties involved. His actions and those of his supporters were considered “rebellious” by the governor of Virginia, Sir William Berkeley. Before his death in 1676, Bacon issued a declaration that Sir Berkeley was unfit to govern, and his belief in the superiority of the Englishmen. The uprising ended with his death of dysentery that same year, and the arrival of the British fleet.


Causes
Nathaniel Bacon was loyal to the King of England, but his loyalty to the Virginia Company was almost non-existent. His lead in the Rebellion that killed many Indians was caused by his belief that the government favored the Indian’s interests over the Virginians. He wanted access to military trained men and weapons, so that he could attack the Susquehannock Indians. The governor was making good profit by trading with the Indians, he didn’t want to disturb that peace. Also the colonists were being financially oppressed with the tobacco sales down, and their land being ruled by most Indians. So Bacon pushed for what he thought was right for his people and for the future settlers in Virginia.
Bacon also believed Berkeley,”raised great unjust taxes”. It was also believed that Berkeley held favorites, and used his political power to help friends into high positions in society.

The Rebellion
The rebellion was a conflict between European settlers and Indians over the land of Virginia, starting in 1676. There was some dispute beforehand about who had real ownership of the land before the rebellion started. It started because Nathaniel Bacon and Governor William Berkeley had a dispute over the Indian Policy. Bacon conducted an expedition against the Susquehannock Indians, killing the chiefs that Berkeley had previously persuaded to negotiate peaceful terms with. Berkeley tried to propose the construction of several defenses along the frontier, but was shot down by the colonists as they thought it was another way to raise already high taxes. Berkeley thought since Bacon was rebelling against him and the Indian policy, it would start a large war. Bacon decided to bring his forces together to bring down Berkeley, and for awhile Bacon ruled all of Virginia. Unfortunately for Bacon he died as did the rebellion, ending the entire dispute between Berkeley and himself.


Effects
One of the negative side effects of Bacons Rebellion was decreased trust and trade with the local Indians. After Bacon ignored the peace treaties that the settlers had with them, they were much less inclined to trust the settlers. This affected the beaver and pelt trades.
Also, the fighting and blood shed encouraged people to abandon or desert their tobacco plantations, which declined production and decreased income for the Colony.
There was a loss of life on both sides, with over 83 settlers and 30 natives dying in the conflicts. The conflict also foreshadowed the upcoming troubles with the Natives, and exemplified the attitudes that would end up taking many more lives in the future.