Final answer:
The American colonies played a key role in Berkeley's advancement due to political, religious, and social tensions that led to conflicts and rebellions in the colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American colonies played a key role in Berkeley's advancement due to the political and religious conflicts that arose during that time. After the Stuarts lost the Civil War and the Puritans took control in England, Puritan settlements began spreading in the colonies, including Virginia.
However, the Anglican colonists, who were loyal to the Stuarts, did not welcome the Puritans.
Berkeley, as a Royal Governor, did not want a religious conflict like the one in England to divide his colony, but his tactics against the Puritans became increasingly oppressive.
This led to the migration of most of the Puritans to colonies that were friendlier to their religious beliefs.
Furthermore, Berkeley's defensive posture during the Susquehannock War caused dissatisfaction among the residents, as it would lead to increased taxes. Nathaniel Bacon, a leader of the rebellion, emerged as a result of this discontent and the lack of protection provided by Berkeley.
Additionally, Berkeley's native-friendly and planter-friendly policies contributed to the unrest among the poorer members of the colony.
In summary, the American colonies played a key role in Berkeley's advancement due to the political, religious, and social tensions that arose during that time, leading to conflicts, rebellions, and discontent among various groups.