Final answer:
The rebellion that began in July 1676 against Virginia governor William Berkeley was Bacon's Rebellion, led by Nathaniel Bacon. It was fueled by disparities in power and economic tensions, and while Bacon's intent was to challenge a corrupt authority, the rebellion ultimately reinforced the power of a few elite families and led to a greater dependence on slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
In July 1676, the rebellion that began against the rule of Virginia governor William Berkeley is known as Bacon's Rebellion. This uprising was led by Nathaniel Bacon, who was a cousin by marriage to Governor Berkeley. The root of this conflict lay in the differing opinions between the governor and Bacon on the colony's Indian policy, but tensions were also aggravated by larger political and economic factors in Virginia. Governor Berkeley had consolidated power among the wealthiest colonists, giving them significant advantages over smaller planters and landless tenants.
Bacon sought to challenge Berkeley's authority, aligning himself with the smaller planters and exploiting resentment against Berkeley's rule, which had grown due to factors such as high taxes and low tobacco prices. Although Bacon initially secured a position on the governor's council, he was a troublemaker who aimed for more power and hoped to exploit Berkeley's perceived weaknesses.
Historically, some saw Bacon's Rebellion as a prelude to the American Revolution, but its aftermath did little to alter the balance of power in Virginia. Instead, it reinforced the dominance of a few wealthy families and led to societal changes, such as an increased reliance on slavery over indentured servitude, mirroring the harsh realities of colonial life and politics in the era.