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Overarching Lesson
The timeline's overarching lesson would be the aftermath of Bacon’s rebellion in the agricultural and economic sectors of the growing United States as well as its impacts on slavery. It also tells us about the US government and its power and policies against rebellions/revolts in America at this specific time. Additionally, this this rebellion was significant as it was the first to unite black and white indentured servants with enslaved people against the colonial government. -
Colonists Dispute with the Susquehannock
The Susquehannock carried out raids against the Virginia settlements. Settlers living on the “Fall Line”, or the western frontier of the colonial settlements, pleaded to Governor Berkeley for military protection. However, to protect the best interests of other native tribes, Berkeley decided to take minimal to no action against the Susquehannock. -
Bacon’s Rise to Power
When colonists felt dissatisfied with Berkeley’s response, they formed their own militia force. Bacon was elected as the leader of the force who led the pursuit against the Susquehannock. His force consisted of a significant number of enslaved African Americans and white indentured servants. Although he never received a formal commission, Bacon still attacked the native tribes, like the Occaneechee Indians friendly to the colony, threatening the peace Berkeley tried to maintain. -
Bacon’s Expulsion from Power
Berkeley declared Bacon as being a rebel and offers a pardon on all other parties involved if they lay down their arms. He also calls for the elections of the House of Burgesses. Although Bacon apologized to Berkeley and got his seat back in the Governor’s Council, there was still a disagreement over the relations involving the Indians and Berkeley removed Bacon from the council again. -
Bacon’s Declaration of the People of Virginia
Bacon issued a “Declaration of the People of Virginia” where he accused Berkeley of being corrupt and detailed how Berkeley benefited from the actions he took, mainly sought to convince the government that maintaining the colony's "commonality" and furthering its welfare are common interests of all social classes.. However, Bacon failed to address his gains from the same policies Berkeley used. Below, there are two primary sources of the document:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tg0sRx9sNo -
Bacon Searches for Berkeley
Bacon sends ships along the coast to locate Berkeley while trying to look for the Pamunkey Indians, finding them and killing, capturing, or letting them flee. Soon after, Bacon and his men returned to Jamestown to cause terror and holistic acts, which the government had little to no interference. -
Berkeley Returns from Hiding
Berkeley arrived at Jamestown after hiding as the rebellion grew. He was able to take control of the city without any hostilities, but not for long, showing the government’s weak response to the tragedy that’s about to take place in Jamestown. -
Berkeley Flees
After the arrival of Bacon on September 14, 1676, Berkeley flees Jamestown. He retreats after gaining control of the city before leaving power to Bacon. -
Bacon's Rebellion: Jamestown's Scorching
After being left in power of Jamestown when Berkeley fled, Bacon knew he couldn’t maintain power and control of Jamestown. However, he didn’t want Berkeley to have Jamestown back. As a result, Bacon and his men scorched the town, setting buildings on fire. -
Bacon's Death
Bacon dies of illness. After his death, the rebellion dissolves. Berkeley recovered full power shortly after Bacon's passing, and the main rebel leaders were hanged. Additionally, he seized rebel property without a court hearing. Twenty-three people were executed by hanging in all for their involvement in the uprising. The weak response to after Bacon had died and Jamestown already being burnt from the scorching played a role to how the government would respond to future rebellions and revolts. -
Bacon's Effect on Planters/Slave Owners
After Bacon's Rebellion ended, planters became concerned about the rising number of landless, dissatisfied individuals as more and more indentured workers completed their contracts and wanted land. As a result, many planters used African slavery as a means of securing a workforce that would never be able to achieve freedom. Moreover, taxes were reduced for colonies. -
Sources
Bacon, Nathaniel. “The Declaration of the People of Virginia.” The declaration of the people, 1676. http://www.virtualjamestown.org/exist/cocoon/jamestown/fha/J1035.
“Bacon's Rebellion.” Bill of Rights Institute. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/bacons-rebellion.
“Inventing Black and White.” Facing History and Ourselves, August 11, 2017. https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/inventing-black-and-white. -
Sources (part 2)
Rust, Randal. “Bacon's Rebellion, Summary, Facts, Significance, Timeline, Colonial America.” American History Central. R.Squared Communications, LLC, October 12, 2022. https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/bacons-rebellion/
“Thomas Jefferson Papers, 1606 to 1827.” The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/collections/thomas-jefferson-papers/articles-and-essays/virginia-records-timeline-1553-to-1743/1640-to-1699/.