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Virginia Colonies Dbq Analysis

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In 1676 there was unrest in the Virginia colonies due to an increase in Indian invasions. Governor William Berkeley was ignoring the transition to hard physical labor and sustenance scarcity settlers had to make. The settlers, upset by the way Berkeley was handling their transition, looked to charismatic newcomer Nathaniel Bacon to find a solution. Because of this Bacon was motivated to spark a rebellion against Berkeley in order to take control of the settlement. The rebellion was designed to drive out Indians, and initiate economic, political, and social reform. Bacon succeeded in his rebellion, but shortly after his death the settlers could not maintain momentum and Berkeley resumed his role as governor. Religion was used to condone many actions, especially in the governing of the settlements. Berkeley’s Declaration and Remonstrance is imbued with religious undertones; he justified his actions as God’s will, often using his piety and virtues as a defense mechanism against criticism. William Berkeley was thus …show more content…

Bacon writes, “For having protected, favored, and emboldened the Indians against his Majesty’s loyal subjects.” This quote exemplifies Bacon’s ideas when it came to the Indians. He believed Berkeley had taken advantage of the colonists and favored the Indians over the King’s own people. For example, he assumed a monopoly of the beaver trade, taking full control over this trade between the colonists and the natives. However, this was not the only cause of frustration for the settler’s. In addition to ignoring the Native American dilemma, Berkeley also introduced unjust taxation on the common people of the colony to further his own wellbeing instead of the colonists’. He was also accused of prejudice and misuse of power after appointing certain magistrates in the colony. Bacon began to see he could use the settlers’ annoyance and dismay to begin a

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