Nathaniel Bacon was born in 1647 in England. He went to Cambridge and was a relative of the famous philosopher, Francis Bacon. He moved to America, in the Virginia Colony, in 1673. He was well respected in America because of his life. He was a part of Governor Berkeley’s council.
The time that Bacon arrived in Virginia was an awful time. Tobacco was becoming more and more common and less and less valuable. Native Americans were attacking the settlers that were out past the main part of the colony. There was no action that would come from the hands of Governor Berkeley. The colonists wanted someone to stand up and fix these hardships, and Nathaniel was quick to take on that role.
Bacon took the fight to the Native Americans. He accomplished his plans. The Governor had charged him with treason. The colonists supported him though. He was elected to the House of Burgesses.
The Governor had Bacon arrested and taken to Jamestown. Berkeley told Bacon he would pardon him if he would act like a “gentleman” again. This was more than likely because of the large crowd that came to support Bacon. There was a time where there was no action on either sides, but then Berkeley made plans to attack Bacon. Bacon having known of this before left Jamestown ahead of Berkeley’s men. Bacon came back to Jamestown and demanded a commission from the Governor. The Governor came out and he and Bacon had a debate. Bacon won and the Governor and the Assembly put many new reforms that would make the Virginia government a democracy.
The reform would not last long. Bacon left Jamestown and the Governor declared him a traitor and raised troops to end the rebellion. Bacon came back to Jamestown, strong, and forced the Governor to flee. The Governor and Bacon had a series of battles that one would result in the burning of Jamestown. Bacon was doomed. He and his force could collapse from disease and the growing strength of the British Empire. Bacon died of fever in October 1676, and with him the rebellion died.