The Virginia Rebellion of 1676, well known as Bacon’s Rebellion, is one of those events that lends itself to heroic legend. The mere fact that it occurred in 1676, one hundred years before American Independence was declared, suggests a sacred, almost prophetic, essence. When we look at its causes, superficially, we see some of the same issues that led to the eventual colonial break with Great Britain, including taxes, corrupt magistrates and tyranny. Taking a deeper look might reveal that family squabbles, racism and poor character may have been more prevalent.
Family Ties
Virginia’s Governor, Sir William Berkeley, enjoyed a long and respected tenure. He had served from 1644 until 1676 with an 8 year interruption during the reign of Oliver Cromwell. Nathaniel Bacon Jr. was troubled, though very well connected. He had recently run into difficulty when his wife’s parents disinherited her because they did not approve of the marriage. He had also been caught planning to swindle a friend. His father sent him to Virginia in hopes that he would shape up. When Bacon arrived in Virginia, Berkeley treated him like family granting him a considerable amount of land and a seat on the council.
Indian Scapegoats
Trouble seemed intent on finding Nathaniel very quickly. The year 1675 was also filled with economic threats, English war losses, and several natural disasters. The colonists needed to find somewhere to lay blame. Native Americans fit that bill rather conveniently. The Doeg tribe raided a plantation to try to collect a debt that the owner refused to pay. The debt was not paid and several Doegs were killed, but the thirst for revenge prevailed. The problem became worse when a retaliatory strike targeted the Susquehanaug Indians who had not part in the original raid.
Berkeley's Weak Leadership
In the ensuing struggle, hostilities escalated until full scale war threatened. Berkeley made several half hearted attempts to quell the violence. His politically motivated compromises just made both sides more determined. Then Nathanial Bacon made his move. He gathered together a militia party and began to capture and kill Indians without regard to their tribal affiliation and without even an attempt to give them a trial. Berkeley immediately ordered Bacon to desist. He refused. Berkeley sent his own troops to apprehend Bacon but instead was run out of town.
Bacon Assumes Control in Jamestown
Bacon retained power in Jamestown for about three months. During this time his popularity and respect began to plummet. The last straw came when he tried to force Virginians to sign an oath of loyalty to him. The public began to see that Bacon’s main interest was in himself and his own gain. Suddenly, in October, Bacon died from the bloody flux and an attack of lice. Berkeley was able to restore order but his mismanagement of the affair cost him his job.
Declaration of the People?
During his brief time in power, Bacon had issued “The Declaracon of the People”. In this document he protested tax policy, Indian policy, corrupt favoritism, and unfair trade practices. The fact that he used the word “declaration”, although without spelling skill, has added to the mythology. On the surface he may look like a true American Hero. The truth is that this was a conflict between a corrupt and weak-willed politician and an opportunistic, power hungry thug. Bacon’s death probably saved Virginia from a tyranny worse than the one they escaped 100 years later.
Sources
1676-The End of American Independence by Stephen Saunders Webb, 1984, Alfred A. Knope
The Cousins Wars by Kevin Phillips, 1999, Basic Books
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