Final answer:
Bacon's Rebellion was spurred by various factors, with a significant one being the economic hardship caused by the falling tobacco prices starting in the 1660s. These financial strains, coupled with Governor Berkeley's favoritism towards the wealthy and his lack of protection for frontier settlers, led to increasing discontent among the poorer colonists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The causes of Nathaniel Bacon-led Rebellion, also known as Bacon's Rebellion in 1676, were deeply rooted in the economic and social tensions in the Virginia colony. The decline in tobacco prices played a significant role in the discontent that fueled the rebellion. Tobacco, being the main cash crop, was a significant source of income for the colonists. When the price was high, it helped offset the heavy taxes imposed by Governor William Berkeley. However, the price of tobacco began to decline in the 1660s due to the Navigation Acts and trade wars with the Dutch, which strained the financial stability of the smaller planters and landless tenants.
During this time, the wealthier landowners had the means to purchase more and better land, leaving fewer options for small farmers and aspiring farmers. This situation was exacerbated by the headright system and the eventual lack of desirable land for tobacco cultivation. Combined with Governor Berkeley's perceived lack of protection against Native American tribes and his favoritism toward the wealthy elite, tension grew among the poorer settlers, leading to the eventual uprising led by Bacon against the colonial government.