Bacon's Rebellion

Timeline

1. 1675–1676Virginia frontier · VirginiaFrom 1675 frontier settlers were frequently attacked by tribes such as the Susquehannock; Bacon and others demanded that Governor Berkeley authorize cross-border campaigns against the Indians, but Berkeley refused fearing that war would expand and harm trade; tensions escalated and Bacon was expelled from the assembly.
2. 1676Jamestown · VirginiaBacon gathered several hundred followers, declared himself 'General of the People,' issued a Declaration of the People accusing Berkeley of corruption, and led troops to capture and burn the colonial capital of Jamestown, briefly controlling Virginia's political center.
3. 1676Virginia Colony · VirginiaAfter Bacon suddenly died of dysentery the rebellion lost its leader; Berkeley returned with royal reinforcements and tried and executed participants. Though the rebellion failed, it prompted the colony to adjust its frontier policy and sparked long-term discussion of self-government and class conflict.