January 28, 2024 HIST-1301-62203
1.
Why did Nathaniel Bacon believe that the present ruling class was corrupt?
For a number of reasons, Nathaniel Bacon thought that the current governing elite was corrupt. First of all, he thought they were self-serving and put their own financial interests ahead of the colonies and their people's well-being. Second, Bacon thought that the governing elite was failing to defend frontier settlers against attacks by Native Americans, which was putting their lives at risk and creating a lack of security. Finally, Bacon contended that unethical commercial practices and power abuses by the governing elite further alienated and exploited the colonists.
2.
Why was Bacon critical of the colony's Indian policy?
The main reason Bacon criticized the colony's Indian policy was that he thought it did not do enough to keep Native Americans at bay when they attacked the frontier settlers. He maintained that the colonists' safety and security were subordinated to the policy's emphasis on preserving cordial ties with Native American tribes. The ruling elite, according to Bacon, traded and formed
connections with Native Americans that were harmful to the colony's interests rather than doing more to protect the settlers.
3.
What did Bacon hope to accomplish with his rebellion?
Nathaniel Bacon intended his rebellion to serve multiple purposes. First, he wanted to implement
political reform and deal with what he saw as corruption in the ruling class. Second, Bacon promoted military action to defend frontier settlers and increase colonial territory in an effort to develop a more assertive and successful strategy toward Native Americans. Last but not least, Bacon pushed for more access to resources and land while opposing the oppressive tactics of the ruling class in an effort to better the economic circumstances for common settlers.
