Bacon’s rebellion occurred in 1676. The rebellion occurred in colonial Virginia and was led by Nathaniel Bacon. The rebellion was mainly against the rule by Governor Sir William Berkeley.
Causes
There were a number of grievances that culminated into the rebellion. The crux of the matter, however, was the failure by Berkeley to defend the frontier from attacks by the Native Americans. The Native Americans had on numerous occasions attacked the frontier yet Berkeley lacked the capacity and ability to wage a counter attack or to do the least to defend the frontier. This exacerbated an already strained relationship between Berkeley and the people. The other factors that contributed to the rebellion include high taxation by the system, poor prices for tobacco which was then the main cash crop in Virginia, and the contestation of the special privileges given to the close associates of the governor.
Outcomes
The rebellion had a number of outcomes. For starters, it led to the loss of lives. Several citizens were attacked by the troops led by Bacon. It also led to destruction of property and the city as the warring party even engaged in the burning of the city. It, however, also led to the reforms in the House of Burgesses which were essentially charges with the formulation of policy. It should be noted that Bacon temporarily seized Virginia but died unexpected weakening the power of the rebels for lack of leadership. Ultimately Berkeley successfully returned to overthrow them. However, his stay was after then short lived as he was recalled to England.
Overall significance
The rebellion was significant for its effective stop of the attacks by the Native Americans and the successful withdrawal of Berkeley as governor of the colony of Virginia.
References
Wertenbaker, T. J. (2009). Bacon’s Rebellion, 1676. New York: Genealogical Publishing Com.
