Berkeley And Bacon example essay topic

Bacon's Rebellion is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of Jamestown's history. This rebellion was more of a power struggle between two narcissistic leaders than a celebrated fight against tyranny. The innermost figures in Bacon's Rebellions were antithesis. Many historians have discovered various facts as well as a plethora of causes, all of which led to opposition in the Virginia colony. In 1676, Virginians, led by Nathaniel Bacon, revolted against Sir William Berkeley's corrupt and oppressive government.

Ironically, the two opposing figures, Berkeley and Bacon, were cousins by marriage. The rebellion started when Bacon's followers, former indentured servants, accused Berkeley of not protecting them from Native American invasions. Apparently, they were upset that Berkeley did not protect them from a recent Native American raid so they took matters into their own hands. Bacon led a series of unauthorized attacks against all of the Native American tribes in the area.

Following his attacks, Bacon was elected to the newly formed House of Burgesses. Berkeley was in charge of calling the House into assembly and when Bacon arrived he had him arrested. After his release, he and his men marched on Jamestown to force Berkeley to allow them to continue their war against the Native Americans, which resulted in many reforms being made. Berkeley was not strong enough to raise an army against Bacon so he fled. He later returned to recapture Jamestown and declare Bacon and his men dissenters and traitors. In retaliation, Bacon wrote his "Declaration of the People" which proclaimed that Berkeley was corrupt and protected the Native Americans for his own benefits.

After a few minor fights, Bacon once again took control of Jamestown but he was afraid that he could not hold it for long so he set the town on fire. Unfortunately, he died suddenly and the rebellion ended from lack of guidance. Berkeley then retook the colony and hanged the major participants in the rebellion. Numerous occurrences led to Bacon's Rebellion. First, following the initial Native American invasion, Bacon and his men retaliated upon the wrong tribe. They ended up killing chiefs of friendly tribes rather than those that attacked them.

This upset Berkeley who was trying to maintain friendly relationships with all of the surrounding tribes. Additionally, the Virginians were upset over high taxes and low tobacco prices, while farmers in other places made much more. There was resentment by the small and unemployed farmers against the wealthy farmers that received special privileges from Berkeley. This episode in Jamestown's history was obviously needed. It was time for a change in policies, laws, and economy.

It could have been prevented, however, if the many causes were corrected before they escalated beyond control. This rebellion can also be looked at from a different view. It can be questioned whether or not this was a fight over governmental issues or if it was just a personal discrepancy between two egotistical men.