The Rebellion of Bacon

The Rebellion of Bacon

Before the rebellion had started many people in the colony were beginning to fall apart. Planter’s especially, when tobacco prices dropt, began to lose money as taxes went up. Adding on to the economy failing, Indian’s were attacking killing many people in their colonies. The people pleaded for Governor Berkeley to build them protection on the frontier but he denied their requests. The people felt forgotten so they wanted a representative so their voices could be heard in the government. Nathaniel Bacon was appointed this position. Being one of the upset American’s he began to lead a mob of planters to fight the Indians. From here the mobs grew bigger until he died mysteriously.
There are a few different ways to look at what Bacon and his followers did and if they were done with good reason. The first way is to look at the group as just trying to protect themselves from attacks. They wanted to improve their lives and to do this they needed to end the Indian attacks. Looking at it this way the things they did were justified. The opposite of this however would point out the rebellions killed not only the unfriendly tribes but friendly ones, who weren’t bothering them, as well. Someone could also claim that Bacon was acting in pursuit of the governor and burning the capital after declared a rebel. The actions the Baconites portrayed can be looked at as both justified and not justified.
Nathaniel Bacon could be considered the first American to rebel. Revolting to seek freedom, protection, and a better life. He took matters into his own hands when the government refused to act. These actions may have pursued American’s later to rebel causing the Revolutionary War. American’s during the war freed themselves from the overpowering Government a lot like Bacon did from the Governor Berkeley. Bacon standing up against Berkeley foreshadowed American’s continuing to stand up for what they thought was right.

Similar Essays