-----In the words of John Adams, “the revolution was in the minds of the people…before a drop of blood was shed at the Lexington.” With a series of events leading up to it, the true question regarding the American Revolution is its literal definition. What was the revolution? “What do we mean by the revolution...the war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect & consequence of it...” implies Adams. Was it the result of the conflict between the British Parliament and American colonists? Historians insist that America’s independence is a paradoxical phenomenon because only thirty years before it, the colonists considered themselves British citizens/subjects in a different location. Only thirty years before, the colonist was importing British products, they reading British books, news and sending their kids to England for education. What influenced America’s sudden decision of independence? Did the stamp tax act serve as a spark for this decision?
-----At the time, England was in fact considered the center of culture, and one of the most modern and prestigious cities in all of Europe. In reality, the New World and the colonies didn’t compare to England, and was even considered rural by some. This was the reason why the prominent historical figurehead Benjamin Franklin decided to live in London instead of Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin had made a fortune in the printing business and even proposed to be the head in the establishment of a new colony on the land near the Ohio River. But even with all his accomplishments and achievements, he was looked down upon by royal figures of power because he was the son of a candle maker and technically a commoner. There was a sense of rivalry between the Virginian colonists and the Britain, and as the scenario unfolds, Britain considered the colonies inferior mainly because most of the colonists were commoners who weren’t born of aristocratic relation and were not of royal blood. Although colonies such as Virginia attempted to be exactly like the British, no matter how hard they tried, they never could get it quite right in the eyes of the Englanders and therefore looked down upon.
-----In the spring of 1765, news of the stamp tax act had reached the colonies and was perceived as completely outrageous. Almost everyone was affected by this tax one way or another. For example, one category of people who were effected majorly by this tax were lawyers, for every legal document that they processed, another category of persons this tax affected was sailors who used playing cards and dice…ect. The colonists alleged the stamp act as testimony of their inferiority in the eyes of the British Parliament simply because of the fact that England did not consult them before reaching into their pockets for revenue. The Virginians considered the stamp tax act degrading and that the British Parliament had no right to instate such a tax. But the matter was not in material, it was the thought of being taxed without consent that really set the colonists into action. Because they felt that they would be enslaved by the British Parliament if they didn’t stand up for themselves, colonists collected and sent out petitions, finding this method infective, colonial leaders proposed a boycott of their products, which potentially affected Englanders to the point where the British Parliament repealed the stamp tax act. But in reality, the stamp act was just the beginning scenario of the inevitable conflict that would end in war and the American Revolution.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The 3 Primary Document Summaries of 10/29
Letter From New York Committee of Fifty-One in the Boston Committee of Correspondence; May 23, 1774
-----This certain document served as a letter from the New York colonial committee and onto the Boston committee. This document informed the Boston committee of the fact that the larger majority of the New York citizens have proposed and agreed to make a main committee of all of the existing colonies. With this new committee in place, it would be easier for the American colonists to absolve themselves from the tyranny of the British Parliament, and this committee would also potentially progress American freedom and independence. This letter states that if the Boston and majority of the colonies comply with this request or proposition that it be situated as soon as possible. In a sense, this letter’s purpose is to endorse this proposal by exemplifying how essential it is that the colonies be absolved from the rule of the English Parliament.
Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence
-----The circular letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence of May 13th 1774 was a document dispersed by Samuel Adams throughout the Boston colony. This letter’s purpose was to inform the intentions of the British Parliament in regards to the American colonies. Accusing the English of passing acts directed to separate the American colonies to stunt their independence, Adams proposes to cut all trade between them and England in order for the English parliament to apprehend the value of the American colonies as trading partners. By boycotting their products and by ceasing trade with England, Adams explains that this is the only way that the colonists will become free from the authority of the English Parliament and that it is well worth the sacrifice.
Declaration of American Rights
-----The title of this primary document is "Declaration and Resolved of the First Continental Congress, October 14, 1774", and it was written by the Colonial Continental Congress. This document basically informs the colonial citizens about the political resolves and alterations made regarding the English Parliament. This document is in the form of discussion about what has been resolved, in what manner it was resolved, what needs to be resolved and how it should be resolved in the future. The Colonial Continental Congress is a representation of the colonial citizens and has the intention of supplying the colonies with the necessities that England provides. By stating that the colonists are technically English citizens in a different location, they should be treated with the same benefits and protections as the average English citizens. The Colonial Continental Congress looks for a happy median between the American colonists and British Parliament.
-----This certain document served as a letter from the New York colonial committee and onto the Boston committee. This document informed the Boston committee of the fact that the larger majority of the New York citizens have proposed and agreed to make a main committee of all of the existing colonies. With this new committee in place, it would be easier for the American colonists to absolve themselves from the tyranny of the British Parliament, and this committee would also potentially progress American freedom and independence. This letter states that if the Boston and majority of the colonies comply with this request or proposition that it be situated as soon as possible. In a sense, this letter’s purpose is to endorse this proposal by exemplifying how essential it is that the colonies be absolved from the rule of the English Parliament.
Circular Letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence
-----The circular letter of the Boston Committee of Correspondence of May 13th 1774 was a document dispersed by Samuel Adams throughout the Boston colony. This letter’s purpose was to inform the intentions of the British Parliament in regards to the American colonies. Accusing the English of passing acts directed to separate the American colonies to stunt their independence, Adams proposes to cut all trade between them and England in order for the English parliament to apprehend the value of the American colonies as trading partners. By boycotting their products and by ceasing trade with England, Adams explains that this is the only way that the colonists will become free from the authority of the English Parliament and that it is well worth the sacrifice.
Declaration of American Rights
-----The title of this primary document is "Declaration and Resolved of the First Continental Congress, October 14, 1774", and it was written by the Colonial Continental Congress. This document basically informs the colonial citizens about the political resolves and alterations made regarding the English Parliament. This document is in the form of discussion about what has been resolved, in what manner it was resolved, what needs to be resolved and how it should be resolved in the future. The Colonial Continental Congress is a representation of the colonial citizens and has the intention of supplying the colonies with the necessities that England provides. By stating that the colonists are technically English citizens in a different location, they should be treated with the same benefits and protections as the average English citizens. The Colonial Continental Congress looks for a happy median between the American colonists and British Parliament.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Essay #1 Reflection
In the somewhat painstaking process of writing the Bacon’s Rebellion paper I think that’s its possible that I even learned a couple of things… Although I cannot say that I fully enjoyed working on this historical paper and researching my topic to persuade my readers, a certain aspect that I appreciated was the fact that we were able to choose our own individual topics. I personally believe that because of the fact that we were allowed to choose our own topics, we as students had more options to write about the subjects that intrigued us, and because of this factor, the writing that we completed wasn’t as forced as it usually is on similar assignments. Being an individual who normally wouldn’t take the time to go through the trouble of writing a full out, detailed outline, I think that this assignment taught me that this method of outlines and drafts is valuable, and greatly effected the organization and consistency of the content of my writing. While writing my essay, another positive aspect that I realized in outlines and drafts that are completed beforehand is that they help ward off procrastination and help ease the process of communication with the reader. Finally, I though that Craig’s commentary on my writing was very valuable and effective for the reinforcement of my paper. Even though some individuals were hesitant, and may have even deemed some of the advice that he presented as cynical, I trusted Craig’s extensive writing experience to help better my essay.
This was not the first experience that I encountered with writing a historically based paper, but I definitely would have to say that during the process of my essay’s completion, my research skills have increased dramatically. Scholarly articles and the J-Stor library Is something that is new to me that I know will increase the credibility of my research based writing in the future. Even though historical papers are at times stimulating, I would definitely prefer creative writing assignments any day over those that are more research/fact based. Overall, I believe this assignment to be a valuable experience and a very informative aspect in the writing skill development process.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Origin of Bacon’s Rebellion
-----Hundreds of people stood in lines outside of investment and commercial banks all throughout the country in late September and early October of 2008. These people endured the autumn cold, some waiting for several hours, to extract large chunks of cash from their bank accounts in fear of bank failure and economic collapse due to the worst financial crisis since 1929’s Depression. Although it was deemed by many financial experts as the worst financial crisis ever witnessed by mankind, average Americans have only a slight understanding of its causes, as baffled specialists hurry to identify the problem. Such events in American history are undoubtedly rare, where the causes of the dilemma remains faceless or uncertain, and only time will tell if the basis of the 2008 financial crises will be resolved. But in retrospect, reviewing the American history book, a certain event with a similar dilemma is one that is often overlooked due to its puzzling origin. This certain event was Bacon’s Rebellion…
-----Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have contributed toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.
-----The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion for two reasons. Number one, the low prices of tobacco had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and number two, it was a product of land and territorial issues for the colonists. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco, caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundred(1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less”…(2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian agricultural farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.
-----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the western frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.
-----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them”… (7).
-----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. In his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, historical author Robert Beverly presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).
-----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).
-----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or necessarily right in their outlook and intentions.
-----“Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown's history”, insists prominent historian Susan MCculley.” It was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although there is a slew of information that is uncertain about this uprising, one fact that many historians agree on it that the rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful. Even so, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution and the civil war (11). I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today. Correlating this subject back to the future 2008 Financial Crises, which still remains as an unresolved issue, like Bacon’s Rebellion, whether the causes for it are determined or not, it will become yet another obstacle that America has faced and will be knowledgeable enough to recognize and prevent in the future. From a historical standpoint I personally believe that events such as Bacon’s Rebellion and the recent Financial Crisis are proof and a reminder to us all that even with rebellions and crisis' and the like, although with varying circumstances, life does continue…
Work Cited
1.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”. http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
2.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
3.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
4.) 1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/
5.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
6.) James L. Roark, Michael p. Johnson et al…The American Promise (A History of the United States) Pg. 90
7.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”
8.) Howard Zinn adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. A Young People’s History of the United States, (Volume 1.) Pg. 37
9.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
10. William Sherwood. Introduction/Summary to “Bacon’s Rebellion: The Declaration (1676)…Pg. 1
11. Bacon’s Rebellion Billings Warren et al
http://www.virginiaplaces.org/military/bacon.html
-----Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have contributed toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.
-----The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion for two reasons. Number one, the low prices of tobacco had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and number two, it was a product of land and territorial issues for the colonists. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco, caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundred(1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less”…(2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian agricultural farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.
-----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the western frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.
-----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them”… (7).
-----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. In his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, historical author Robert Beverly presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).
-----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).
-----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or necessarily right in their outlook and intentions.
-----“Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown's history”, insists prominent historian Susan MCculley.” It was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although there is a slew of information that is uncertain about this uprising, one fact that many historians agree on it that the rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful. Even so, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution and the civil war (11). I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today. Correlating this subject back to the future 2008 Financial Crises, which still remains as an unresolved issue, like Bacon’s Rebellion, whether the causes for it are determined or not, it will become yet another obstacle that America has faced and will be knowledgeable enough to recognize and prevent in the future. From a historical standpoint I personally believe that events such as Bacon’s Rebellion and the recent Financial Crisis are proof and a reminder to us all that even with rebellions and crisis' and the like, although with varying circumstances, life does continue…
Work Cited
1.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”. http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
2.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
3.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
4.) 1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/
5.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
6.) James L. Roark, Michael p. Johnson et al…The American Promise (A History of the United States) Pg. 90
7.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”
8.) Howard Zinn adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. A Young People’s History of the United States, (Volume 1.) Pg. 37
9.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
10. William Sherwood. Introduction/Summary to “Bacon’s Rebellion: The Declaration (1676)…Pg. 1
11. Bacon’s Rebellion Billings Warren et al
http://www.virginiaplaces.org/military/bacon.html
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Bacon's Rebellion Draft 2
The Origin of Bacon's Rebellion
---Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the unrealistic belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have concurred toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.
---The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion for two reasons. Number one, the low prices of tobacco had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and number two, it was a product of land and territorial issues for the colonists. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco, caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundred...(1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less”…(2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian agricultural farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.
----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the western frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.
----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them”… (7).
----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. In his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, historical author Robert Beverly presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).
----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).
----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or necessarily right in their outlook and intentions.
----“Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown's history”, insists prominent historian Susan MCculley.” It was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although there is a slew of information that is uncertain about this uprising, one fact that many historians agree on it that the rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful. Even so, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution and the civil war (11). I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today.
Work Cited
1.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”. http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
2.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
3.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
4.) 1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/
5.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
6.) James L. Roark, Michael p. Johnson et al…The American Promise (A History of the United States) Pg. 90
7.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”
8.) Howard Zinn adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. A Young People’s History of the United States, (Volume 1.) Pg. 37
9.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
10. William Sherwood. Introduction/Summary to “Bacon’s Rebellion: The Declaration (1676)…Pg. 1
11. Bacon’s Rebellion Billings Warren et al http://www.virginiaplaces.org/military/bacon.html
---Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the unrealistic belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have concurred toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.
---The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion for two reasons. Number one, the low prices of tobacco had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and number two, it was a product of land and territorial issues for the colonists. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco, caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundred...(1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less”…(2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian agricultural farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.
----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the western frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.
----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them”… (7).
----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. In his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, historical author Robert Beverly presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).
----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).
----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or necessarily right in their outlook and intentions.
----“Bacon's Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters in Jamestown's history”, insists prominent historian Susan MCculley.” It was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although there is a slew of information that is uncertain about this uprising, one fact that many historians agree on it that the rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful. Even so, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution and the civil war (11). I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today.
Work Cited
1.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production…tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675”. http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
2.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Virginians were growing more, but forced to sell less” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
3.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
4.) 1. (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Tobacco growing, as practiced in the 17th century, exhausted the soil in only a few years, so planters were constantly concerned about opportunities for expansion into the virgin lands on the frontier” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/
5.) (Robert Beverly- The History and Present State of Virginia 1705 excerpt, Document one pg 6.)
6.) James L. Roark, Michael p. Johnson et al…The American Promise (A History of the United States) Pg. 90
7.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “He often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital. Also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them.”
8.) Howard Zinn adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. A Young People’s History of the United States, (Volume 1.) Pg. 37
9.) (Roland Merchand). A Documentary Source Problem- “Due to a substantial growth in production and to some of the restrictions on exports imposed by the Navigation Acts of the 1660's, tobacco prices were depressed after 1670 and took an even sharper down-turn in 1675.” http://marchand.ucdavis.edu/lessons/bacons/bacon.html
10. William Sherwood. Introduction/Summary to “Bacon’s Rebellion: The Declaration (1676)…Pg. 1
11. Bacon’s Rebellion Billings Warren et al http://www.virginiaplaces.org/military/bacon.html
Monday, October 20, 2008
Bacon's Rebellion Rough Draft #1
The Origin of Bacon’s Rebellion
----Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have concurred toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.
----The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion because it had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and it was a product of land and territorial issues. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundreds (1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less” (2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.
----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.
----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them” (7).
----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. According to the historical author Robert Beverly, in his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, he presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).
----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).
----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous, “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or clearly right in their motives and intentions.
----Bacon’s Rebellion was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although this rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution. I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today.
(work cited coming soon)
----Taking place almost three hundred and thirty-five years ago, Bacons Rebellion still remains an overwhelmingly controversial subject in the history of early English colonization. One of the areas under discussion that is more often disputed than others is the particular factor, or factors that potentially led up to the famed uprising. A majority of historical authors including Howard Zinn, Rebecca Stefoff, & Michale J. Puglisi exemplify the belief that Bacon’s Rebellion was sparked solely by Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule. Although these factors may have concurred toward the revolt, such authors fail to underline the fact that Indian hostility and unjust colonial rule may not have been the only things that provoked the rebellion. Disregarding the popular speculations of Bacon's Rebellion’s origin, which indict native hostility and unrighteous colonial rule as the primary causes of the revolt, the extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England, are equally imperative subjects often overlooked in formation of the event.
----The extremely low price in tobacco export was a primary benefactor to Bacon’s Rebellion because it had direct impact on the Virginia colonies’ commerce, and it was a product of land and territorial issues. A skewed supply-demand relation, attributable to the extensive overproduction of tobacco caused the export price for tobacco to decrease drastically beginning in the mid-sixteen hundreds (1). By 1675, tobacco prices found a new low as “Virginians were growing more (tobacco) but forced to sell it for less” (2). Because of the low tobacco prices, planters failed to find fair value in exchange of tobacco for goods. Most Virginian farmers relied on tobacco as a cash crop, without it many common colonists weren’t able to provide for their families, pushing them to drastic measures.
----From an agricultural standpoint, the tobacco plant exhausted the soil very quickly, enticing colonists to obtain unaltered land in the frontiers (3). The more tobacco the colonists grew, the faster it fatigued the soil, leaving it unusable for a general period of time. With a shortage of plant able land, the colonists were considered the frontiers. But the Virginian colonists were unable to expand without the consent of the English monarch King Charles II theoretically owned the frontier land. (4). Finding it easier to encroach on Indian land, the settlers were countered by the violent actions of the natives, who were attempting to defend their land.
----The division of the Virginia colonies into separate entities was also a provoking factor in the progression of Bacon’s Rebellion. The separation of the Virginia colonies led to several different circumstances, and affected each social class individually. One of the most prominent circumstances of the division was that it allowed for the wealthy social elites to grasp authority among the individual and splintered colonies and manipulate them to their advantage. According to James L. Roark et al, at this time, the wealthiest top five percent of the Grandees (or social elite) owned seventy five percent of the colonial land. (6). In addition to owning a large portion of the land, the social elite were often appointed special privileges by King Charles II and his monarchs. Author Roland Merchand exemplifies some of these benefits in his article, A Documentary Source Problem, stating, “He (King Charles II) often gave huge tracts to his court favorites in London or to the friends of his Royal Governor in Jamestown, Virginia's capital… also, many of these wealthy people were exempt from land taxes, to the annoyance of poorer American farmers who had to pay them” (7).
----With most of the wealthy Grandees being exempted from paying taxes, the already poverty-struck commoners of Virginia were forced to bear the burden. According to the historical author Robert Beverly, in his article, The History & Present State of Virginia 1705, he presents the interesting fact that the separation of the Virginia colonies was, “contrary to the original Charters”, meaning that the colonies were in this way disregarding the original charter, and more importantly, showing the first indications of independence (5). Ultimately, the overwhelmingly large gap between the rich and the poor caused tension between the two social classes and potentially led to serve as a spark for Bacon’s Rebellion (8).
----The many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England played its own significant role in the formation of the revolt. The English acts of Parliament instituted policies which restricted many of the Virginian colonists’ trade and exports. A credible example of one of these policies is the Navigation Act. The Navigation Act of 1660 was a limitation policy established by the English Parliament with the purpose of restricting exports. This Navigation Act was one of the reasons why tobacco prices were substantially so low (9). Restrictions by English representatives of the colonies would have a potentially significant affect on commerce as well as the common people, a majority of who survived through agricultural farming. The Virginia colonies were represented by an English legislation and because of the restrictions, harsh policies, and heavy taxes, Nathanial Bacon easily convinced the common people and made out the governor of Jamestown, William Berkeley as the antagonist because he served as the closest connection with England. In the summer of 1676, the protest led by Bacon and his supporters against Berkeley became violent as they parade through Jamestown plundering many of the social elite’s estates (10).
----A recent 2008 issue that uniquely relates to Bacon’s Rebellion could very possibly be the Iraq War. Beginning in 2003, this ongoing war and its purpose has many Americans confused and aggravated. While some seem to believe that the invasion was scheduled to remove dangerous, “weapons of mass destructions”, others agree that President Bush’s military campaign in the Middle East is just the mask to pump Kuwait’s oil into America’s pockets. Bringing up the subject nowadays, many Americans begin to question the war’s motives, origin and exactly who the antagonist is in the situation. Like Bacon’s Rebellion, looking at the Iraq War three hundred and thirty five years later down the road, I personally believe that people are going to be as puzzled by its motives and origin as the people are today, if not more. Both the Iraq War & Bacon’s Rebellion have perplexed beginnings and indistinct motives, and whether it be Nathanial Bacon and his mob of supporters against William Berkeley and the social elites, or the United States of America versus the gorilla warfare of Iraqi insurgents, no party is clearly wrong or clearly right in their motives and intentions.
----Bacon’s Rebellion was an event that seemed to be inspired by a complication of economic and social issues such as Indian hostility, unjust colonial rule, extremely low price of tobacco, separation of the Virginia colonies, and the many trade regulations and restrictions imposed by England. Although this rebellion wouldn’t generally be deemed as successful, it was an essential period in American history and even thought to be a predecessor to the American Revolution. I personally believe that this event was one that shaped America into the nation that it is today.
(work cited coming soon)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Olaudah Equiano Account
Captured at a young age and sold into slavery, Equiano’s account of the wretched voyage to Virginia demonstrated the unimaginable brutality and unbearable conditions of the eighteenth century slave-trade. During his miserable voyage to the New World, Equiano recalls his astonishment as he witnessed the coast, open water, and the English slave-ships for the very first time. On the contrary Equiano writes about his sickening resentment of the white man for their savageness and cruelty regarding the slaves. Lucky enough to avoid the fifteen percent of slaves who died during the voyage, Equiano survived to tell his courageous story.
Once in Virginia, Equiano was purchased by the Capitan of a tobacco trade ship, and traveled as a slave between North America, England, & the West Indies for approximately ten years. Learning the English language while still a slave, Equiano managed to buy his freedom in the year of 1766. Before long, as a free man, Equiano successfully accumulated English culture, characteristics and even fashions. Contrary to his impression of white men aboard the slave ship, in his narrative, Equiano ironically wrote, “I looked upon the English as men superior to us (Africans), and therefore I had a strong desire to resemble them, to imbibe their spirit and imitate their manors.” Although became accustomed to the English way of life, he still encompassed his African roots by campaigning against slavery and writing his grandly influential narratives, which effectively served to demote slavery in his time.
Once in Virginia, Equiano was purchased by the Capitan of a tobacco trade ship, and traveled as a slave between North America, England, & the West Indies for approximately ten years. Learning the English language while still a slave, Equiano managed to buy his freedom in the year of 1766. Before long, as a free man, Equiano successfully accumulated English culture, characteristics and even fashions. Contrary to his impression of white men aboard the slave ship, in his narrative, Equiano ironically wrote, “I looked upon the English as men superior to us (Africans), and therefore I had a strong desire to resemble them, to imbibe their spirit and imitate their manors.” Although became accustomed to the English way of life, he still encompassed his African roots by campaigning against slavery and writing his grandly influential narratives, which effectively served to demote slavery in his time.
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