Research Paper on:
An Examination of Bacon's Rebellion

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soon rallied to the cause of the early settlers in Virginias Colony and led an uprising against the Colonial Government. This rebellion would spark and fan the flames that would  lead to the development of a chattel type mentality that allowed the atmosphere to be ready for the idea of slavery, and it can be said that it was the  directly result of the development of Virginia society during the period of 1620-1670. After Bacon burned Jamestown to the ground, he and his forces moved on to other counties possibly  to regain their strength and to plan further attacks against the government. High taxes, low prices for tobacco, and resentment against special privileges given those close to the governor, Sir  William Berkeley, provided the background for the uprising, which was precipitated by Berkeleys failure to defend the frontier against attacks by Native Americans. Bacon commanded two ragtag bands of settlers,  including a contingency of black men in several successful expeditions against the Indian tribes and was then elected to the new house of burgesses, which Berkeley had been forced to  convene. However, this was a trap. When Bacon showed up to claim his seat in the house of Burgesses, Berkeley arrested  him. Soon released, Bacon gathered his supporters, marched on Jamestown, and coerced Berkeley into granting him a commission to continue his campaigns against Native Americans. But he had no intention  of going against the natives. His goals were aimed higher this time. The governor, having failed to raise a force against Bacon, fled to the Eastern Shore. He gathered enough  strength to return to Jamestown, where he proclaimed Bacon and his men rebels and traitors. After a sharp skirmish Bacon recaptured the capital (Berkeley again took flight) but, fearing that