Question

For having when the Army of English was just upon the track of those Indians . . . expressly countermanded [withdrawn], and sent back our Army, by passing his word for the peaceable demeanor of the said Indians . . . , being protected by the . . . said [Governor] Sir William Berkeley . . . and are by their success so emboldened . . . , are now become not only difficult, but a very formidable enemy, who might at first with ease have been destroyed. . . .

"Of this and the aforesaid articles were accuse Sir William Berkeley as guilty of each and every one of the same. . . .

"And we do further demand that the said Sir William Berkeley with all the persons in this list be forthwith [immediately] delivered up or surrender themselves . . . , Or otherwise we declare as followeth.

"That in whatsoever place . . . any of the said persons shall reside, be hid, or protected, we declare the owners . . . to be confederates and traitors to the people. . . , and this we, the Commons of Virginia, do declare, desiring a firm union amongst ourselves that we may jointly and with one accord defend ourselves against the common enemy."

Nathaniel Bacon, Virginia colonist, Declaration in the Name of the People, 1676
Using the excerpt, answer (a), (b), and (c).

Briefly identify ONE cause of the development in the excerpt.

Answer 1

The development in Nathaniel Bacon's 1676 Declaration was caused by Governor Berkeley's refusal to retaliate against Native American attacks, resulting in colonists' frustration and Bacon's pursuit of a rebellion to gain more power for small planters and address their security concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary cause of the development discussed in the excerpt from Nathaniel Bacon's 1676 Declaration is Governor William Berkeley's refusal to allow retaliation against Native American attacks, which led to frustration among the colonists, particularly the frontier settlers and smaller planters.

Governor Berkeley's policies favored the wealthy elite and in response to attacks on the frontier, he chose to build defensive forts rather than allow offensive attacks against Native Americans. This decision not only angered the colonists who felt threatened but also promised to increase their taxes. As a result, Nathaniel Bacon capitalized on the widespread dissatisfaction by leading an armed rebellion, which sought more power for small planters and retribution against the Native Americans.

Underlying tensions included resentment against the governor's pro-elite policies, land scarcity issues, increasing taxes, and inconsistent protection for the frontier settlers. Bacon's Rebellion represented a power struggle between traditional authority and the demands of disgruntled colonists seeking better representation and security.