Loyalism vs. Patriotism, 1760s & 1770s
Loyalist
1)Character Development
Heather- Lawyer
Ashley- New England Merchant
2)Structure and Organization
for a newspaper- newspaper articles published concerning the issue
For our essay, we are going to be taking the roles of a loyalist new england merchant and a lawyer. We are going to be taking sides and formulating our argument based upon a general idea of the fight as well as our own specific interests and opinions.
We will be publishing our ideas in editorials for a newspaper that is read by many patriotists/loyalists/passionate individuals concerning the conflict.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Midterm Practice Essay
Midterm Practice Essay
America has always been a nation that has been defined by its boldness; an attribute that can both be negative and positive in the light of the world. We have always been characterized by our natural belief in our superiority and also our duty as a nation to the rest of the world. Our every decisions we have made as Americans have always been personified by this belief, this philosophy that wraps around America like a blanket. This has been an idea that has been integrated in our society since we have been born, even before we were technically the United States of America. In many ways, this philosophy was first conceived by John Winthrop, who’s Arbella Sermon would establish America’s entire way of viewing themselves as a body. John Winthrop’s philosophy of a “city upon a hill” would set a precedent for American society in the future.
[The Puritans established a society that was embedded in their own personal arrogance in their faith.] When the Puritans came over from England, they brought their ideas on how to form a society. As Englishmen, they brought along the inherent arrogance and pride of such and set high expectations for what their society would be like. They believed firmly that their society that they were creating would be one that in the future individuals would look back and hope to achieve. This can be compared to the lust of Rome, leaders like Napoleon and Hitler would strive to the success and achievement of Roman society as John Winthrop hoped individuals who strive towards the society of New England. But, different from the society of Rome, John Winthrop hoped that New England would be a beacon of piety and religiosity. The idea of a “city upon a hill” is a biblical notion similar to the way that you are supposed to shine your light across the world. John Winthrop aspired that New England would be an example to everyone, as Rome was an example of military might and democracy, that New England would be an example of religious piety. When the Puritans requested for the Massachusetts Bay Charter, one of their main points of reason was the spread and preaching of Christianity, which hearkened back towards the Spanish, and also emphasized the entire philosophy of the Puritans.
[As American society progressed, people began forming the structure of America’s government revolving around the philosophy of John Winthrop.] When the founding fathers gathered to make their claim for creating the United States of America, there was an obvious sense of arrogance in their argument. The very idea of America being better and the best was an idea that began there, however it stemmed from the sermon made by John Winthrop a hundred and fifty years earlier. Additionally, while the exact religious inspiration of the founding fathers is debatable, as so many were theists, it can be very well argued that America was founded upon the principles of religion. However, as the Puritans established a precedent for separation of church and state, this too would make its way into the creation of the American government. It is clear though that the dream of the “city upon a hill” lived on in the hearts of new Americans as they fought for their independence. In a way, it can be argued that the simple arrogance of believing you can overthrow your monarch is an example of a belief that you are somehow better as individuals. When Americans came together collectively to compose the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, the notion of America’s duty and superiority came across clearly in the text.
[The remnant of this early dream still exists in American society today, governing almost every aspect of the identity of American.] At the time after the American Revolution, the idea of being “American” was extremely new and people had to look somewhere for a sense of identity and the founding fathers reaching towards John Winthrop spread like wildfire to every new American as a sense of purpose. This idea of America’s natural superiority and duty in the world dictates, directly or indirectly, every decision America as a body takes. This idea of duty could be seen in the space race, where John F. Kennedy announced that we would send a man to the moon in a decade before anyone else did. This idea of Americanism perhaps was best personified in the 1960’s, the era of the space race, as that period so well characterized the philosophy left behind by John Winthrop. In our international affairs our arrogance, but also our duty can be seen clearly. America is one of the leading countries to send foreign aid to third world countries. However, we also are seen in the world as being arrogant and stepping out of bounds because of foreign policy, most specifically with the war in Iraq. This idea of “a city upon a hill”, the idea that America must and is superior and has a duty to spread to the world their philosophies continues to expand and dictate the decisions of our nation.
This philosophy of American greatness is one that will continue to be a part of American society for as long as we continue to be a nation. Our belief in ourselves as being “a city upon a hill”, which was first preached and championed by John Winthrop is one that as Americans we have continued and continued to achieve. In every sense it can be seen that we are a great nation, a nation that has been and hopefully will continue to be filled with promise. The idea of New England being a place that would be a place of glory and praise perhaps was too narrow-minded of John Winthrop; he didn’t realize that it wouldn’t be New England, but the United States of America that would fill his role of “a city upon a hill”. This idea is exactly parallel to Rome, but in many ways, our society can be comparable to Rome, the society that by so many has been desired and sought after. Perhaps that is a rather assuming statement to make, but perhaps it also could simply be a testament to the American sense of ego.
“[W]hen he shall make us a praise and glory that men shall say of succeeding [colonies], ‘the Lord make it like that of New
- John Winthrop, 1630
America has always been a nation that has been defined by its boldness; an attribute that can both be negative and positive in the light of the world. We have always been characterized by our natural belief in our superiority and also our duty as a nation to the rest of the world. Our every decisions we have made as Americans have always been personified by this belief, this philosophy that wraps around America like a blanket. This has been an idea that has been integrated in our society since we have been born, even before we were technically the United States of America. In many ways, this philosophy was first conceived by John Winthrop, who’s Arbella Sermon would establish America’s entire way of viewing themselves as a body. John Winthrop’s philosophy of a “city upon a hill” would set a precedent for American society in the future.
[The Puritans established a society that was embedded in their own personal arrogance in their faith.] When the Puritans came over from England, they brought their ideas on how to form a society. As Englishmen, they brought along the inherent arrogance and pride of such and set high expectations for what their society would be like. They believed firmly that their society that they were creating would be one that in the future individuals would look back and hope to achieve. This can be compared to the lust of Rome, leaders like Napoleon and Hitler would strive to the success and achievement of Roman society as John Winthrop hoped individuals who strive towards the society of New England. But, different from the society of Rome, John Winthrop hoped that New England would be a beacon of piety and religiosity. The idea of a “city upon a hill” is a biblical notion similar to the way that you are supposed to shine your light across the world. John Winthrop aspired that New England would be an example to everyone, as Rome was an example of military might and democracy, that New England would be an example of religious piety. When the Puritans requested for the Massachusetts Bay Charter, one of their main points of reason was the spread and preaching of Christianity, which hearkened back towards the Spanish, and also emphasized the entire philosophy of the Puritans.
[As American society progressed, people began forming the structure of America’s government revolving around the philosophy of John Winthrop.] When the founding fathers gathered to make their claim for creating the United States of America, there was an obvious sense of arrogance in their argument. The very idea of America being better and the best was an idea that began there, however it stemmed from the sermon made by John Winthrop a hundred and fifty years earlier. Additionally, while the exact religious inspiration of the founding fathers is debatable, as so many were theists, it can be very well argued that America was founded upon the principles of religion. However, as the Puritans established a precedent for separation of church and state, this too would make its way into the creation of the American government. It is clear though that the dream of the “city upon a hill” lived on in the hearts of new Americans as they fought for their independence. In a way, it can be argued that the simple arrogance of believing you can overthrow your monarch is an example of a belief that you are somehow better as individuals. When Americans came together collectively to compose the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, the notion of America’s duty and superiority came across clearly in the text.
[The remnant of this early dream still exists in American society today, governing almost every aspect of the identity of American.] At the time after the American Revolution, the idea of being “American” was extremely new and people had to look somewhere for a sense of identity and the founding fathers reaching towards John Winthrop spread like wildfire to every new American as a sense of purpose. This idea of America’s natural superiority and duty in the world dictates, directly or indirectly, every decision America as a body takes. This idea of duty could be seen in the space race, where John F. Kennedy announced that we would send a man to the moon in a decade before anyone else did. This idea of Americanism perhaps was best personified in the 1960’s, the era of the space race, as that period so well characterized the philosophy left behind by John Winthrop. In our international affairs our arrogance, but also our duty can be seen clearly. America is one of the leading countries to send foreign aid to third world countries. However, we also are seen in the world as being arrogant and stepping out of bounds because of foreign policy, most specifically with the war in Iraq. This idea of “a city upon a hill”, the idea that America must and is superior and has a duty to spread to the world their philosophies continues to expand and dictate the decisions of our nation.
This philosophy of American greatness is one that will continue to be a part of American society for as long as we continue to be a nation. Our belief in ourselves as being “a city upon a hill”, which was first preached and championed by John Winthrop is one that as Americans we have continued and continued to achieve. In every sense it can be seen that we are a great nation, a nation that has been and hopefully will continue to be filled with promise. The idea of New England being a place that would be a place of glory and praise perhaps was too narrow-minded of John Winthrop; he didn’t realize that it wouldn’t be New England, but the United States of America that would fill his role of “a city upon a hill”. This idea is exactly parallel to Rome, but in many ways, our society can be comparable to Rome, the society that by so many has been desired and sought after. Perhaps that is a rather assuming statement to make, but perhaps it also could simply be a testament to the American sense of ego.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Essay #1 Reflection Post
How do you think you did?
Honestly evaluate your performance...
In my own opinion, I felt that I did very well on this essay. I think this because I worked very hard on it to get a perfect draft that I felt was suitable in the end and because I tried my very best to fulfill what was asked of me. Granted, could it have been better? I suppose, yes, it could have been better. But, nobody smacks down Paul Goghan cause he couldn't paint like Van Gogh, that was just his talent. He was doing it to the very best of his ability. That's why I thought that I did very well, because I worked hard on my essay. I researched it thoroughly and applied my research to back up my reasons as support for my thesis. I worked hard to structure my essay in a format that made sense, was easy on the reader and followed a conclusive line of logic that is understandable. So, if you were to ask me how I did and to honestly evaluate my performance, I would say that I think that I did pretty darn well. In all honesty I probably more effort into that essay than any of the essays I wrote last year for world history and felt that it was better structured and supported in relation to the topic.
What have you learned about your writing process and philosophy?
For this essay, I was exposed to several new concepts. I encountered the outline, something that I have always dreaded in my personal experience and have never much cared for. It isn't so much that I disliked the outline because it constricted what I was writing, but simply because I didn't care for outlining my ideas. I prefer to go straight into what I'm talking about otherwise I'm afraid I might lose what brilliant ideas that I might have had while writing the outline. I think that I am a little more open to outlines though now. It was really difficult for me to write one this time because I had never done one before and it wasn't a set part of my writing experience. Because of this it was difficult for me to train my mind to think in that sort of a format, but I think now that I have done it once, if I keep doing them I might someday come to the point where I always do them. Or I might someday come to the conclusion that I was right all along and that I never did like outlines nor were they a part of my writing process. I think I might go either way. Obviously I'm somewhat obstinate because I didn't particularly like them before this assignment, but I'm open-minded enough to give them a try and maybe, who knows, they'll come to be an important part of my writing process after all?
Something that I've also never done so much, not to say that I haven't or that I don't, but I don't care for the process, is the writing of several drafts. I don't particularly like to revise or edit my work. I'm not sure why, perhaps my personal attachment to the words that I wrote. I suppose that that's a little bit odd if you think about it, but when I write well and I like to think that I do most of the time, then I really fall in love with my writing. You could say that that's a hindrance or a help to my writing. The first would be because I'm not looking at what I'm writing clearly and seeing what could obviously be changed for the better but on the other hand you could say that that was clearly a positive thing because if I'm confident about my writing other people are likely to believe in me as a writer too. So, I suppose it could go both way. But, in relation to drafts, I think that it's something that I've always secretly had somewhat of a grudge against, and maybe still do a little, but if I think I do a better job at training myself to be more critical and discerning, then it's something that I can grow into. Sort of like when you buy a jacket that's too big when you're a little kid and you don't fit into right away, but your mom makes you wear it anyway because you'll grow into it? I think you might use the same sort of philosophy for this. Right now I'm still maturing as a writer and certain methods like outlining or drafting might not fit me right now at the moment, but if I continue to mature as a writer, I'll grow into them. It's just all about whether or not I'm willing to wear the jacket and I think that I am willing to wear the jacket.
My writing philosophy I suppose then really hasn't changed much. I still believe what I believed before, but I'm more open-minded at least to new ways of a writing process. I'm willing to take on new method to improve my process for a test spin and if it turns out they work out for me, that's absolutely fantastic. But, if I turn out to not like the jacket in the end, then I can always just stop wearing it, but at least I gave it a chance, right? I think that's good.
What have you learned about college writing vs. high school writing?
I suppose that I've learned that college writing as opposed to high school writing is more focused and more demanding. I've written history essays before but I've never been held accountable so much for researching and defending my position based upon my sources. So, in that sense I think that college writing is much more demanding because it demands that you as a person are credible. I had to prove that my sources were credible and reliable and apply them to my thesis in order to support it. It was a lot different in comparison to what I might do in high school where I didn't have to research as much and apply. So, that definitely would be something that I've learned about college writing: research, apply and support. Additionally, I think I've learned that it's a lot more focused. I learned about the art of the thesis in my ninth grade English class and we learned about how to narrow down and be specific. However, I think that definitely the writing that we've had to do for history has been a lot more focused to a certain topic and a certain idea more so than I've had for essays for English, history or civics.
What changes will you make for next time?
Some changes that I think I will implement for next time will just to start sooner and to research more. I felt that I had quite a bit of research and enough to back up my points, but I felt that because I was still learning about researching well while I was in the process of the essay, I wasn't able to utilize what I learned as much in what I was doing. So, definitely I think that I will work harder to apply what I have learned in the wiki class to what the essay is asking because I didn't completely understand it all while I was starting the process of the essay. I will definitely start sooner as well, not that I didn't start on time, but just I think I'd like to go through a lot more process and maybe write a few more drafts than I did just so that I can compare and contrast what is the best essay. Also, there were a few times that I thought about changing my position just because of the research that I was finding, so perhaps next time I will take more time to explore a few different theses and perhaps write a few different drafts for a couple of theses before I choose which thesis I'm actually going to take and run with because it'd be nice to have a few options when it comes down to choosing what I'm turning in for my final draft.
Honestly evaluate your performance...
In my own opinion, I felt that I did very well on this essay. I think this because I worked very hard on it to get a perfect draft that I felt was suitable in the end and because I tried my very best to fulfill what was asked of me. Granted, could it have been better? I suppose, yes, it could have been better. But, nobody smacks down Paul Goghan cause he couldn't paint like Van Gogh, that was just his talent. He was doing it to the very best of his ability. That's why I thought that I did very well, because I worked hard on my essay. I researched it thoroughly and applied my research to back up my reasons as support for my thesis. I worked hard to structure my essay in a format that made sense, was easy on the reader and followed a conclusive line of logic that is understandable. So, if you were to ask me how I did and to honestly evaluate my performance, I would say that I think that I did pretty darn well. In all honesty I probably more effort into that essay than any of the essays I wrote last year for world history and felt that it was better structured and supported in relation to the topic.
What have you learned about your writing process and philosophy?
For this essay, I was exposed to several new concepts. I encountered the outline, something that I have always dreaded in my personal experience and have never much cared for. It isn't so much that I disliked the outline because it constricted what I was writing, but simply because I didn't care for outlining my ideas. I prefer to go straight into what I'm talking about otherwise I'm afraid I might lose what brilliant ideas that I might have had while writing the outline. I think that I am a little more open to outlines though now. It was really difficult for me to write one this time because I had never done one before and it wasn't a set part of my writing experience. Because of this it was difficult for me to train my mind to think in that sort of a format, but I think now that I have done it once, if I keep doing them I might someday come to the point where I always do them. Or I might someday come to the conclusion that I was right all along and that I never did like outlines nor were they a part of my writing process. I think I might go either way. Obviously I'm somewhat obstinate because I didn't particularly like them before this assignment, but I'm open-minded enough to give them a try and maybe, who knows, they'll come to be an important part of my writing process after all?
Something that I've also never done so much, not to say that I haven't or that I don't, but I don't care for the process, is the writing of several drafts. I don't particularly like to revise or edit my work. I'm not sure why, perhaps my personal attachment to the words that I wrote. I suppose that that's a little bit odd if you think about it, but when I write well and I like to think that I do most of the time, then I really fall in love with my writing. You could say that that's a hindrance or a help to my writing. The first would be because I'm not looking at what I'm writing clearly and seeing what could obviously be changed for the better but on the other hand you could say that that was clearly a positive thing because if I'm confident about my writing other people are likely to believe in me as a writer too. So, I suppose it could go both way. But, in relation to drafts, I think that it's something that I've always secretly had somewhat of a grudge against, and maybe still do a little, but if I think I do a better job at training myself to be more critical and discerning, then it's something that I can grow into. Sort of like when you buy a jacket that's too big when you're a little kid and you don't fit into right away, but your mom makes you wear it anyway because you'll grow into it? I think you might use the same sort of philosophy for this. Right now I'm still maturing as a writer and certain methods like outlining or drafting might not fit me right now at the moment, but if I continue to mature as a writer, I'll grow into them. It's just all about whether or not I'm willing to wear the jacket and I think that I am willing to wear the jacket.
My writing philosophy I suppose then really hasn't changed much. I still believe what I believed before, but I'm more open-minded at least to new ways of a writing process. I'm willing to take on new method to improve my process for a test spin and if it turns out they work out for me, that's absolutely fantastic. But, if I turn out to not like the jacket in the end, then I can always just stop wearing it, but at least I gave it a chance, right? I think that's good.
What have you learned about college writing vs. high school writing?
I suppose that I've learned that college writing as opposed to high school writing is more focused and more demanding. I've written history essays before but I've never been held accountable so much for researching and defending my position based upon my sources. So, in that sense I think that college writing is much more demanding because it demands that you as a person are credible. I had to prove that my sources were credible and reliable and apply them to my thesis in order to support it. It was a lot different in comparison to what I might do in high school where I didn't have to research as much and apply. So, that definitely would be something that I've learned about college writing: research, apply and support. Additionally, I think I've learned that it's a lot more focused. I learned about the art of the thesis in my ninth grade English class and we learned about how to narrow down and be specific. However, I think that definitely the writing that we've had to do for history has been a lot more focused to a certain topic and a certain idea more so than I've had for essays for English, history or civics.
What changes will you make for next time?
Some changes that I think I will implement for next time will just to start sooner and to research more. I felt that I had quite a bit of research and enough to back up my points, but I felt that because I was still learning about researching well while I was in the process of the essay, I wasn't able to utilize what I learned as much in what I was doing. So, definitely I think that I will work harder to apply what I have learned in the wiki class to what the essay is asking because I didn't completely understand it all while I was starting the process of the essay. I will definitely start sooner as well, not that I didn't start on time, but just I think I'd like to go through a lot more process and maybe write a few more drafts than I did just so that I can compare and contrast what is the best essay. Also, there were a few times that I thought about changing my position just because of the research that I was finding, so perhaps next time I will take more time to explore a few different theses and perhaps write a few different drafts for a couple of theses before I choose which thesis I'm actually going to take and run with because it'd be nice to have a few options when it comes down to choosing what I'm turning in for my final draft.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Bacon's Rebellion: Final Draft
Bacon's Rebellion Essay
Body, Intro & Conclusion: Final Draft
The period between 1676 and 1677 in the Virginia Colony was the timeframe of a remarkable and fascinating episode in American history. It was the period of Bacon’s Rebellion, an uprising of the lower class of colonists against the Governor, which in many ways would resemble the American Revolution that would occur a hundred years later. The ringleader and instigator of this Rebellion would be Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy and well-educated young man who had recently immigrated to Virginia. While the premise in the hearts of his followers would be for economic and social reasons, Nathaniel Bacon ignited the Rebellion solely for his own political gain and his wish to stir up trouble in the colony. However, despite the fact that Bacon’s Rebellion was led by the political hungry Nathaniel Bacon, it resulted in a political change for the better for Chesapeake Society.
[At the time of Bacon’s Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon was searching for an opportunity to gain political control.] Bacon was a greedy and arrogant man who was withdrawn from Cambridge University and sent to the New World by his father after he was discovered in a plan to defraud a neighbor of his inheritance.[1] Bacon had a wealthy and well-connected uncle, also named Nathaniel Bacon, who was a member of the Governor’s Council. Using his connections, his uncle presented him with a position on the Governor’s Council and soon had a reputation as “the most accomplished man in the colony.”[2] He was described by the Royal Commissioners’ Report to be “of a most imperious and dangerous hidden pride of heart, despising the wisest of his neighbors for their ignorance, and very ambitious and arrogant.”[3] However, this distinguished position was not enough for him and he made the decision to exploit the frustrations of poorer farmers against the social elite using the political system for their own benefits rather than protecting them against attacking Indians. Nathaniel Bacon is described by one historian as being one “who then held arms in his hands for love of the new country”[4]. I believe that this sort of opinion is predominant because rebellion is an American ideal cemented by our pride in the American Revolution. However, it is important to make clear that at that time there was no identity or idea of a “new country”, it was simply an extension of England. One historian actually referred to Bacon as though being “called”[5] to the actions that he took in Virginia however it is also false to be believe that Bacon’s actions were in any way patriotic since they were to fill his own personal desires rather than trying to improve society as a whole.
[Despite the fact that William Berkeley was a controversial governor, he was openly respected by the people of Virginia, which is why it is likely without Nathaniel Bacon, direct confrontation with the Governor may never have occurred.] Evidence shows that William Berkeley was a governor that showed favoritism to his close friends and family, an example of how he failed to set up a government that was accessible to all colonists. This trend can be seen clearly when in 1724, all twelve members of the Virginia’s Royal Council were all related by blood or marriage.[6] This was a precedent that would be cemented by Berkeley himself, seen when he, which would prove to be his mistake, gave his own cousin Nathaniel Bacon a position on the council. However, despite the fact that Berkeley was obviously a partial and perhaps even biased governor, he was referred to as “the darling of the people”[7] by early Virginian historian Robert Beverley. It is argued by David Hackett Fischer, a Professor of History at Brandeis University, that Berkeley “bent the young sapling of its [Virginia’s] social system and made it grow in the direction that he wished”.[8] While it is obvious that Berkeley was biased towards himself in his governing of Virginia, I believe that it is unfair to suppose that he was unjust or without good intentions in his governing over the people of Virginia. The reason for this is because Virginia’s government was in many ways based upon the English system of government, which was far from democratic, and while it certainly needed reforming, it is unfair to say that Berkeley was a corrupt or poor governor because of his actions. It is also unreasonable to then assume, I believe, that if Berkeley had been as loved a governor as he is depicted by historian Robert Beverley, that the colonists would have so directly confronted him with a rebellion as they did. Instead I believe that it was purely Nathaniel Bacon that was the incendiary for the Rebellion and that it would not have occurred in such a manner of absolute defiance against the governor had it not been for the urging of its ringleader Bacon.
[The aftermath of the rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of Chesapeake Society.] Bacon’s Rebellion collapsed when the instigator of the rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon, died of fever in October 1676. Without the support of the power-seeking Bacon to fuel his rebellious band of followers, the rebellion simply lost its determination, which would be evidence for the idea that the cause behind the Rebellion was purely magnified and distorted by the powerful orator, Bacon. The laws that were enacted during Bacon’s short stint in the House of Burgesses remained a permanent part of the Virginia Colony despite attempts by Governor Berkeley to repeal the laws. They were actually repealed by Governor Berkeley for a short time after the collapse of Bacon’s Rebellion, but most were restored in the February of 1677.[9] The laws known as “Bacon’s Laws” were reforms to the political system that improved the political power of the lower classes and reduced the power of the social elite.[10] They guaranteed rights such as voting for all freemen, the election of the vestry, representation in taxation and the abolishment of holding more than one office. Ironically, it is very doubtful that Bacon had any influence or decision making with these laws; rather they were likely written by Richard Lawrence and William Drummond, who were two supporters of Bacon that were elected to the House of Burgesses in 1676.[11] Before these laws had been put in place, the political system had been dominated by the social elite, namely the very wealthy farmers, and there had been little outlet for the voice of the common class. It proves that, despite the fact that Bacon had rallied up the rebellion for the improvement of his own political situation, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in the improvement of the entire colony’s political situation and made the government more accessible and adjustable to the public. While it is true that many of these laws never guaranteed Virginians the freedoms they were supposed to, it set a precedent for the future. Additionally, Bacon’s Rebellion caused the British Crown to order a royal investigation of the colony’s affairs, which eventually led to the termination of William Berkeley, who had been such a biased and partial leader, as the Governor of Virginia. In many respects however, the rebellious nature displayed by the colonists served as a prelude to the American Revolution which would not occur for another hundred years. Some of the same issues that plagued colonists that participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, such as taxation without representation and a lack of involvement in their government, would fuel the revolutionaries one hundred years later.
Bacon’s Rebellion was a unique and fascinating period in the colony of Virginia’s history. It represented a situation where an individual exploits the frustrations of other people in order to gain power, in this case political, for himself. It is a plot which can be seen throughout history, even today, however in the case of Bacon’s Rebellion, it can be argued that it served in the end a beneficial situation for Virginia and its people. Bacon’s laws which granted Virginia’s citizens more political power and lessened the handle of the social elite on the political system were kept despite the fact that the government attempted to repeal these laws. Additionally, this poor and biased government, led by Governor William Berkeley was replaced by a different government system that granted political access to more than just friends and family of social elitists like Berkeley and rather created a more fair and accessible government. While Nathaniel Bacon the man may have been an arrogant and corrupt individual that sought for only his own personal gain, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in a situation for the better of the Virginia colony, despite the sacrifices that were made because of it. While similar episodes in history do not always result in such a positive outcome, Bacon’s Rebellion was and served as a prelude to a similar episode in history that would take place a hundred years later. This episode, known as the American Revolution, also was a rebellion, while its motivations may be different in nature than Nathaniel Bacon’s might have been, served to create a better political system and government for the people that it served.
[1] http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011662/Nathaniel-Bacon#191101.hook
[2] http://richmondthenandnow.com/Newspaper-Articles/Nathaniel-Bacon.html
[3] http://www.rickriordan.com/Who_was_Bacon.htm
[4] William Alexander MacCorkie; Some Southern Questions
[5] Mary Newton Stanard; The Story of Bacon’s Rebellion
[6] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[7] Robert Beverley; On Bacon’s Rebellion, 1704
[8] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[9] http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/bacon.htm
[10] http://www.foundersofamerica.org/bacon.html
[11] The Settling of Jamestown by Janet Riehecky
Body, Intro & Conclusion: Final Draft
The period between 1676 and 1677 in the Virginia Colony was the timeframe of a remarkable and fascinating episode in American history. It was the period of Bacon’s Rebellion, an uprising of the lower class of colonists against the Governor, which in many ways would resemble the American Revolution that would occur a hundred years later. The ringleader and instigator of this Rebellion would be Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy and well-educated young man who had recently immigrated to Virginia. While the premise in the hearts of his followers would be for economic and social reasons, Nathaniel Bacon ignited the Rebellion solely for his own political gain and his wish to stir up trouble in the colony. However, despite the fact that Bacon’s Rebellion was led by the political hungry Nathaniel Bacon, it resulted in a political change for the better for Chesapeake Society.
[At the time of Bacon’s Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon was searching for an opportunity to gain political control.] Bacon was a greedy and arrogant man who was withdrawn from Cambridge University and sent to the New World by his father after he was discovered in a plan to defraud a neighbor of his inheritance.[1] Bacon had a wealthy and well-connected uncle, also named Nathaniel Bacon, who was a member of the Governor’s Council. Using his connections, his uncle presented him with a position on the Governor’s Council and soon had a reputation as “the most accomplished man in the colony.”[2] He was described by the Royal Commissioners’ Report to be “of a most imperious and dangerous hidden pride of heart, despising the wisest of his neighbors for their ignorance, and very ambitious and arrogant.”[3] However, this distinguished position was not enough for him and he made the decision to exploit the frustrations of poorer farmers against the social elite using the political system for their own benefits rather than protecting them against attacking Indians. Nathaniel Bacon is described by one historian as being one “who then held arms in his hands for love of the new country”[4]. I believe that this sort of opinion is predominant because rebellion is an American ideal cemented by our pride in the American Revolution. However, it is important to make clear that at that time there was no identity or idea of a “new country”, it was simply an extension of England. One historian actually referred to Bacon as though being “called”[5] to the actions that he took in Virginia however it is also false to be believe that Bacon’s actions were in any way patriotic since they were to fill his own personal desires rather than trying to improve society as a whole.
[Despite the fact that William Berkeley was a controversial governor, he was openly respected by the people of Virginia, which is why it is likely without Nathaniel Bacon, direct confrontation with the Governor may never have occurred.] Evidence shows that William Berkeley was a governor that showed favoritism to his close friends and family, an example of how he failed to set up a government that was accessible to all colonists. This trend can be seen clearly when in 1724, all twelve members of the Virginia’s Royal Council were all related by blood or marriage.[6] This was a precedent that would be cemented by Berkeley himself, seen when he, which would prove to be his mistake, gave his own cousin Nathaniel Bacon a position on the council. However, despite the fact that Berkeley was obviously a partial and perhaps even biased governor, he was referred to as “the darling of the people”[7] by early Virginian historian Robert Beverley. It is argued by David Hackett Fischer, a Professor of History at Brandeis University, that Berkeley “bent the young sapling of its [Virginia’s] social system and made it grow in the direction that he wished”.[8] While it is obvious that Berkeley was biased towards himself in his governing of Virginia, I believe that it is unfair to suppose that he was unjust or without good intentions in his governing over the people of Virginia. The reason for this is because Virginia’s government was in many ways based upon the English system of government, which was far from democratic, and while it certainly needed reforming, it is unfair to say that Berkeley was a corrupt or poor governor because of his actions. It is also unreasonable to then assume, I believe, that if Berkeley had been as loved a governor as he is depicted by historian Robert Beverley, that the colonists would have so directly confronted him with a rebellion as they did. Instead I believe that it was purely Nathaniel Bacon that was the incendiary for the Rebellion and that it would not have occurred in such a manner of absolute defiance against the governor had it not been for the urging of its ringleader Bacon.
[The aftermath of the rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of Chesapeake Society.] Bacon’s Rebellion collapsed when the instigator of the rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon, died of fever in October 1676. Without the support of the power-seeking Bacon to fuel his rebellious band of followers, the rebellion simply lost its determination, which would be evidence for the idea that the cause behind the Rebellion was purely magnified and distorted by the powerful orator, Bacon. The laws that were enacted during Bacon’s short stint in the House of Burgesses remained a permanent part of the Virginia Colony despite attempts by Governor Berkeley to repeal the laws. They were actually repealed by Governor Berkeley for a short time after the collapse of Bacon’s Rebellion, but most were restored in the February of 1677.[9] The laws known as “Bacon’s Laws” were reforms to the political system that improved the political power of the lower classes and reduced the power of the social elite.[10] They guaranteed rights such as voting for all freemen, the election of the vestry, representation in taxation and the abolishment of holding more than one office. Ironically, it is very doubtful that Bacon had any influence or decision making with these laws; rather they were likely written by Richard Lawrence and William Drummond, who were two supporters of Bacon that were elected to the House of Burgesses in 1676.[11] Before these laws had been put in place, the political system had been dominated by the social elite, namely the very wealthy farmers, and there had been little outlet for the voice of the common class. It proves that, despite the fact that Bacon had rallied up the rebellion for the improvement of his own political situation, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in the improvement of the entire colony’s political situation and made the government more accessible and adjustable to the public. While it is true that many of these laws never guaranteed Virginians the freedoms they were supposed to, it set a precedent for the future. Additionally, Bacon’s Rebellion caused the British Crown to order a royal investigation of the colony’s affairs, which eventually led to the termination of William Berkeley, who had been such a biased and partial leader, as the Governor of Virginia. In many respects however, the rebellious nature displayed by the colonists served as a prelude to the American Revolution which would not occur for another hundred years. Some of the same issues that plagued colonists that participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, such as taxation without representation and a lack of involvement in their government, would fuel the revolutionaries one hundred years later.
Bacon’s Rebellion was a unique and fascinating period in the colony of Virginia’s history. It represented a situation where an individual exploits the frustrations of other people in order to gain power, in this case political, for himself. It is a plot which can be seen throughout history, even today, however in the case of Bacon’s Rebellion, it can be argued that it served in the end a beneficial situation for Virginia and its people. Bacon’s laws which granted Virginia’s citizens more political power and lessened the handle of the social elite on the political system were kept despite the fact that the government attempted to repeal these laws. Additionally, this poor and biased government, led by Governor William Berkeley was replaced by a different government system that granted political access to more than just friends and family of social elitists like Berkeley and rather created a more fair and accessible government. While Nathaniel Bacon the man may have been an arrogant and corrupt individual that sought for only his own personal gain, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in a situation for the better of the Virginia colony, despite the sacrifices that were made because of it. While similar episodes in history do not always result in such a positive outcome, Bacon’s Rebellion was and served as a prelude to a similar episode in history that would take place a hundred years later. This episode, known as the American Revolution, also was a rebellion, while its motivations may be different in nature than Nathaniel Bacon’s might have been, served to create a better political system and government for the people that it served.
[1] http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011662/Nathaniel-Bacon#191101.hook
[2] http://richmondthenandnow.com/Newspaper-Articles/Nathaniel-Bacon.html
[3] http://www.rickriordan.com/Who_was_Bacon.htm
[4] William Alexander MacCorkie; Some Southern Questions
[5] Mary Newton Stanard; The Story of Bacon’s Rebellion
[6] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[7] Robert Beverley; On Bacon’s Rebellion, 1704
[8] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[9] http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/bacon.htm
[10] http://www.foundersofamerica.org/bacon.html
[11] The Settling of Jamestown by Janet Riehecky
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Bacon's Rebellion Essay; Second Draft
Bacon's Rebellion
Body & Intro: Second Draft
The period between 1676 and 1677 in the Virginia Colony was the timeframe of a remarkable and fascinating episode in American history. It was the period of Bacon’s Rebellion, an uprising of the lower class of colonists against the Governor, which in many ways would resemble the American Revolution that would occur a hundred years later. The ringleader and instigator of this Rebellion would be Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy and well-educated young man who had recently immigrated to Virginia. While the premise in the hearts of his followers would be for economic and social reasons, Nathaniel Bacon ignited the Rebellion solely for his own political gain and his wish to stir up trouble in the colony. However, despite the fact that Bacon’s Rebellion was led by the political hungry Nathaniel Bacon, it resulted in a political change for the better for Chesapeake Society.
[At the time of Bacon’s Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon was searching for an opportunity to gain political control.] Bacon was a greedy and arrogant man who was withdrawn from Cambridge University and sent to the New World by his father after he was discovered in a plan to defraud a neighbor of his inheritance.[1] Bacon had a wealthy and well-connected uncle, also named Nathaniel Bacon, who was a member of the Governor’s Council. Using his connections, his uncle presented him with a position on the Governor’s Council and soon had a reputation as “the most accomplished man in the colony.”[2] He was described by the Royal Commissioners’ Report to be “of a most imperious and dangerous hidden pride of heart, despising the wisest of his neighbors for their ignorance, and very ambitious and arrogant.”[3] However, this distinguished position was not enough for him and he made the decision to exploit the frustrations of poorer farmers against the social elite using the political system for their own benefits rather than protecting them against attacking Indians. Nathaniel Bacon is described by one historian as being one “who then held arms in his hands for love of the new country”[4]. I believe that this sort of opinion is predominant because it rebellion is an American ideal cemented by our pride in the American Revolution. However, it is important to make clear that at that time there was no identity or idea of a “new country”, it was simply an extension of England. One historian actually referred to Bacon as though being “called”[5] to the actions that he took in Virginia however it is also false to be believe that Bacon’s actions were in any way patriotic since they were to fill his own personal desires rather than trying to improve society as a whole.
[Despite the fact that William Berkeley was a controversial governor, he was openly respected by the people of Virginia, which is why it is likely without Nathaniel Bacon, direct confrontation with the Governor may never have occurred.] Evidence shows that William Berkeley was a governor that showed favoritism to his close friends and family, an example of how he failed to set up a government that was accessible to all colonists. This trend can be seen clearly when in 1724, all twelve members of the Virginia’s Royal Council were all related by blood or marriage.[6] This was a precedent that would be cemented by Berkeley himself, seen when he, which would prove to be his mistake, gave his own cousin Nathaniel Bacon a position on the council. However, despite the fact that Berkeley was obviously a partial and perhaps even biased governor, he was referred to as “the darling of the people”[7] by early Virginian historian Robert Beverley. It is argued by David Hackett Fischer, a Professor of History at Brandeis University, that Berkeley “bent the young sapling of its [Virginia’s] social system and made it grow in the direction that he wished”.[8] While it is obvious that Berkeley was biased towards himself in his governing of Virginia, I believe that it is unfair to suppose that he was unjust or without good intentions in his governing over the people of Virginia. The reason for this is because Virginia’s government was in many ways based upon the English system of government, which was far from democratic, and while it certainly needed reforming, it is unfair to say that Berkeley was a corrupt or poor governor because of his actions. It is also unreasonable to then assume, I believe, that if Berkeley had been as loved a governor as he is depicted by historian Robert Beverley, that the colonists would have so directly confronted him with a rebellion as they did. Instead I believe that it was purely Nathaniel Bacon that was the incendiary for the Rebellion and that it would not have occurred in such a manner of absolute defiance against the governor had it not been for the urging of its ringleader Bacon.
[The aftermath of the rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of Chesapeake Society.] Bacon’s Rebellion collapsed when the instigator of the rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon, died of fever in October 1676. Without the support of the power-seeking Bacon to fuel his rebellious band of followers, the rebellion simply lost its determination, which would be evidence for the idea that the cause behind the Rebellion was purely magnified and distorted by the powerful orator, Bacon. The laws that were enacted during Bacon’s short stint in the House of Burgesses remained a permanent part of the Virginia Colony despite attempts by Governor Berkeley to repeal the laws. They were actually repealed by Governor Berkeley for a short time after the collapse of Bacon’s Rebellion, but most were restored in the February of 1677.[9] The laws known as “Bacon’s Laws” were reforms to the political system that improved the political power of the lower classes and reduced the power of the social elite.[10] They guaranteed rights such as voting for all freemen, the election of the vestry, representation in taxation and the abolishment of holding more than one office. Ironically, it is very doubtful that Bacon had any influence or decision making with these laws; rather they were likely written by Richard Lawrence and William Drummond, who were two supporters of Bacon that were elected to the House of Burgesses in 1676.[11] Before these laws had been put in place, the political system had been dominated by the social elite, namely the very wealthy farmers, and there had been little outlet for the voice of the common class. It proves that, despite the fact that Bacon had rallied up the rebellion for the improvement of his own political situation, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in the improvement of the entire colony’s political situation and made the government more accessible and adjustable to the public. While it is true that many of these laws never guaranteed Virginians the freedoms they were supposed to, it set a precedent for the future. Additionally, Bacon’s Rebellion caused the British Crown to order a royal investigation of the colony’s affairs, which eventually led to the termination of William Berkeley, who had been such a biased and partial leader, as the Governor of Virginia. In many respects however, the rebellious nature displayed by the colonists served as a prelude to the American Revolution which would not occur for another hundred years. Some of the same issues that plagued colonists that participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, such as taxation without representation and a lack of involvement in their government, would fuel the revolutionaries one hundred years later.
[1] http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011662/Nathaniel-Bacon#191101.hook
[2] http://richmondthenandnow.com/Newspaper-Articles/Nathaniel-Bacon.html
[3] http://www.rickriordan.com/Who_was_Bacon.htm
[4] William Alexander MacCorkie; Some Southern Questions
[5] Mary Newton Stanard; The Story of Bacon’s Rebellion
[6] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[7] Robert Beverley; On Bacon’s Rebellion, 1704
[8] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[9] http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/bacon.htm
[10] http://www.foundersofamerica.org/bacon.html
[11] The Settling of Jamestown by Janet Riehecky
Body & Intro: Second Draft
The period between 1676 and 1677 in the Virginia Colony was the timeframe of a remarkable and fascinating episode in American history. It was the period of Bacon’s Rebellion, an uprising of the lower class of colonists against the Governor, which in many ways would resemble the American Revolution that would occur a hundred years later. The ringleader and instigator of this Rebellion would be Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy and well-educated young man who had recently immigrated to Virginia. While the premise in the hearts of his followers would be for economic and social reasons, Nathaniel Bacon ignited the Rebellion solely for his own political gain and his wish to stir up trouble in the colony. However, despite the fact that Bacon’s Rebellion was led by the political hungry Nathaniel Bacon, it resulted in a political change for the better for Chesapeake Society.
[At the time of Bacon’s Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon was searching for an opportunity to gain political control.] Bacon was a greedy and arrogant man who was withdrawn from Cambridge University and sent to the New World by his father after he was discovered in a plan to defraud a neighbor of his inheritance.[1] Bacon had a wealthy and well-connected uncle, also named Nathaniel Bacon, who was a member of the Governor’s Council. Using his connections, his uncle presented him with a position on the Governor’s Council and soon had a reputation as “the most accomplished man in the colony.”[2] He was described by the Royal Commissioners’ Report to be “of a most imperious and dangerous hidden pride of heart, despising the wisest of his neighbors for their ignorance, and very ambitious and arrogant.”[3] However, this distinguished position was not enough for him and he made the decision to exploit the frustrations of poorer farmers against the social elite using the political system for their own benefits rather than protecting them against attacking Indians. Nathaniel Bacon is described by one historian as being one “who then held arms in his hands for love of the new country”[4]. I believe that this sort of opinion is predominant because it rebellion is an American ideal cemented by our pride in the American Revolution. However, it is important to make clear that at that time there was no identity or idea of a “new country”, it was simply an extension of England. One historian actually referred to Bacon as though being “called”[5] to the actions that he took in Virginia however it is also false to be believe that Bacon’s actions were in any way patriotic since they were to fill his own personal desires rather than trying to improve society as a whole.
[Despite the fact that William Berkeley was a controversial governor, he was openly respected by the people of Virginia, which is why it is likely without Nathaniel Bacon, direct confrontation with the Governor may never have occurred.] Evidence shows that William Berkeley was a governor that showed favoritism to his close friends and family, an example of how he failed to set up a government that was accessible to all colonists. This trend can be seen clearly when in 1724, all twelve members of the Virginia’s Royal Council were all related by blood or marriage.[6] This was a precedent that would be cemented by Berkeley himself, seen when he, which would prove to be his mistake, gave his own cousin Nathaniel Bacon a position on the council. However, despite the fact that Berkeley was obviously a partial and perhaps even biased governor, he was referred to as “the darling of the people”[7] by early Virginian historian Robert Beverley. It is argued by David Hackett Fischer, a Professor of History at Brandeis University, that Berkeley “bent the young sapling of its [Virginia’s] social system and made it grow in the direction that he wished”.[8] While it is obvious that Berkeley was biased towards himself in his governing of Virginia, I believe that it is unfair to suppose that he was unjust or without good intentions in his governing over the people of Virginia. The reason for this is because Virginia’s government was in many ways based upon the English system of government, which was far from democratic, and while it certainly needed reforming, it is unfair to say that Berkeley was a corrupt or poor governor because of his actions. It is also unreasonable to then assume, I believe, that if Berkeley had been as loved a governor as he is depicted by historian Robert Beverley, that the colonists would have so directly confronted him with a rebellion as they did. Instead I believe that it was purely Nathaniel Bacon that was the incendiary for the Rebellion and that it would not have occurred in such a manner of absolute defiance against the governor had it not been for the urging of its ringleader Bacon.
[The aftermath of the rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of Chesapeake Society.] Bacon’s Rebellion collapsed when the instigator of the rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon, died of fever in October 1676. Without the support of the power-seeking Bacon to fuel his rebellious band of followers, the rebellion simply lost its determination, which would be evidence for the idea that the cause behind the Rebellion was purely magnified and distorted by the powerful orator, Bacon. The laws that were enacted during Bacon’s short stint in the House of Burgesses remained a permanent part of the Virginia Colony despite attempts by Governor Berkeley to repeal the laws. They were actually repealed by Governor Berkeley for a short time after the collapse of Bacon’s Rebellion, but most were restored in the February of 1677.[9] The laws known as “Bacon’s Laws” were reforms to the political system that improved the political power of the lower classes and reduced the power of the social elite.[10] They guaranteed rights such as voting for all freemen, the election of the vestry, representation in taxation and the abolishment of holding more than one office. Ironically, it is very doubtful that Bacon had any influence or decision making with these laws; rather they were likely written by Richard Lawrence and William Drummond, who were two supporters of Bacon that were elected to the House of Burgesses in 1676.[11] Before these laws had been put in place, the political system had been dominated by the social elite, namely the very wealthy farmers, and there had been little outlet for the voice of the common class. It proves that, despite the fact that Bacon had rallied up the rebellion for the improvement of his own political situation, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in the improvement of the entire colony’s political situation and made the government more accessible and adjustable to the public. While it is true that many of these laws never guaranteed Virginians the freedoms they were supposed to, it set a precedent for the future. Additionally, Bacon’s Rebellion caused the British Crown to order a royal investigation of the colony’s affairs, which eventually led to the termination of William Berkeley, who had been such a biased and partial leader, as the Governor of Virginia. In many respects however, the rebellious nature displayed by the colonists served as a prelude to the American Revolution which would not occur for another hundred years. Some of the same issues that plagued colonists that participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, such as taxation without representation and a lack of involvement in their government, would fuel the revolutionaries one hundred years later.
[1] http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9011662/Nathaniel-Bacon#191101.hook
[2] http://richmondthenandnow.com/Newspaper-Articles/Nathaniel-Bacon.html
[3] http://www.rickriordan.com/Who_was_Bacon.htm
[4] William Alexander MacCorkie; Some Southern Questions
[5] Mary Newton Stanard; The Story of Bacon’s Rebellion
[6] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[7] Robert Beverley; On Bacon’s Rebellion, 1704
[8] David Hackett Fischer; Albion’s Seed
[9] http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/bacon.htm
[10] http://www.foundersofamerica.org/bacon.html
[11] The Settling of Jamestown by Janet Riehecky
Monday, October 15, 2007
Bacon's Rebellion: Body; Rough Draft
Bacon's Rebellion
Body: Rough Draft
[At the time of Bacon’s Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon was searching for an opportunity to gain political control.] Bacon was a greedy and arrogant man who was withdrawn from Cambridge University and sent to the New World by his father after he was discovered in a plan to defraud a neighbor of his inheritance. Bacon had a wealthy and well-connected uncle, also named Nathaniel Bacon, who was a member of the Governor’s Council. Using his connections, his uncle presented him with a position on the Governor’s Council and soon had a reputation as “the most accomplished man in the colony.” He was described by the Royal Commissioners’ Report to be “of a most imperious and dangerous hidden pride of heart, despising the wisest of his neighbors for their ignorance, and very ambitious and arrogant.” However, this distinguished position was not enough for him and he made the decision to exploit the frustrations of poorer farmers against the social elite using the political system for their own benefits rather than protecting them against attacking Indians. Bacon had a magnetic and confident personality as well as being a powerful orator which he used to his advantage as he gained support from the lower classes. He gained their respect and admiration by making the decision to implore Governor Berkeley for a commission to fight neighboring hostile Indian tribes. However, when Governor Berkeley refused because an attack would hurt his own economic endeavors, Bacon’s “dangerous” pride was hurt and he instead ignored the governor’s wishes and organized his own army consisting of five hundred men and went to fight the Indians. This decision of blatant rebellion gained Bacon immense popularity among the lower class of Virginia society and began an assault against Berkeley. Berkeley showed a lack of foresight in dealing with the rebellious Bacon and failed to control the situation of political turmoil. When Berkeley called for a re-election of Virginia’s assembly, the House of Burgesses, it backfired when Bacon and his followers were voted into power. This resulted in a cat and mouse game between the rebellious Bacon and his band and the Governor and his forces as Bacon laid siege on the capital of Jamestown.
[The aftermath of the rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of Chesapeake Society.] Bacon’s Rebellion collapsed when the instigator of the rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon, died of fever in October 1676. Without the support of the power-seeking Bacon to fuel his rebellious band of followers, the rebellion simply lost its determination, which would be evidence for the idea that the cause behind the Rebellion was purely magnified and distorted by the powerful orator, Bacon. The laws that were enacted during Bacon’s short stint in the House of Burgesses remained a permanent part of the Virginia Colony despite attempts by Governor Berkeley to repeal the laws. They were actually repealed by Governor Berkeley for a short time after the collapse of Bacon’s Rebellion, but most were restored in the February of 1677. The laws known as “Bacon’s Laws” were reforms to the political system that improved the political power of the lower classes and reduced the power of the social elite. They guaranteed rights such as voting for all freemen, the election of the vestry, representation in taxation and the abolishment of holding more than one office. Ironically, it is very doubtful that Bacon had any influence or decision making with these laws; rather they were likely written by Richard Lawrence and William Drummond, who were two supporters of Bacon that were elected to the House of Burgesses in 1676. Before these laws had been put in place, the political system had been dominated by the social elite, namely the very wealthy farmers, and there had been little outlet for the voice of the common class. It proves that, despite the fact that Bacon had rallied up the rebellion for the improvement of his own political situation, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in the improvement of the entire colony’s political situation and made the government more accessible and adjustable to the public. Additionally, Bacon’s Rebellion caused the British Crown to order a royal investigation of the colony’s affairs, which eventually led to the termination of William Berkeley, who had been a poor and corrupt leader, as the Governor of Virginia. In many respects however, the rebellious nature displayed by the colonists served as a prelude to the American Revolution which would not occur for another hundred years. Some of the same issues that plagued colonists that participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, such as taxation without representation and a lack of involvement in their government, would fuel the revolutionaries one hundred years later.
[The concept of political and social progress following the power hungry political advances of an individual can be seen throughout history.] Generally speaking, the moral justification of an uprising against the government cannot be truly determined until sometime afterwards, although that is not to say that an opinion cannot be forged at the time of the civil strife. In hindsight, I believe it is easy to criticize the judgment of others in the past, but that does mean that those in the past are exempt from judging. Nathaniel Bacon, I believe, is a case in history where an individual exploited the frustrations of others in hopes that it would result in his own personal gain, in the case of Bacon, it was political. There are historical counterparts to Bacon’s example, both far extreme to one side and far extreme to other. An example of someone who’s patriotism was more much more sparked than Bacon would be the wealthy landowner George Washington, who joined the American Revolution partly out of his own desire for land claimed by the British government to belong to Indians. To the far other side could be an individual such as Maximilien Robespierre, who spearheaded the Great Terror that would eventually end in the reformed country of France. Since in hindsight, we can also view that Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of the Virginia Colony that was reformed for the better of all of the people of Virginia, we can say that, despite whatever Bacon’s intentions were, it may have been the best for Virginia.
Body: Rough Draft
[At the time of Bacon’s Rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon was searching for an opportunity to gain political control.] Bacon was a greedy and arrogant man who was withdrawn from Cambridge University and sent to the New World by his father after he was discovered in a plan to defraud a neighbor of his inheritance. Bacon had a wealthy and well-connected uncle, also named Nathaniel Bacon, who was a member of the Governor’s Council. Using his connections, his uncle presented him with a position on the Governor’s Council and soon had a reputation as “the most accomplished man in the colony.” He was described by the Royal Commissioners’ Report to be “of a most imperious and dangerous hidden pride of heart, despising the wisest of his neighbors for their ignorance, and very ambitious and arrogant.” However, this distinguished position was not enough for him and he made the decision to exploit the frustrations of poorer farmers against the social elite using the political system for their own benefits rather than protecting them against attacking Indians. Bacon had a magnetic and confident personality as well as being a powerful orator which he used to his advantage as he gained support from the lower classes. He gained their respect and admiration by making the decision to implore Governor Berkeley for a commission to fight neighboring hostile Indian tribes. However, when Governor Berkeley refused because an attack would hurt his own economic endeavors, Bacon’s “dangerous” pride was hurt and he instead ignored the governor’s wishes and organized his own army consisting of five hundred men and went to fight the Indians. This decision of blatant rebellion gained Bacon immense popularity among the lower class of Virginia society and began an assault against Berkeley. Berkeley showed a lack of foresight in dealing with the rebellious Bacon and failed to control the situation of political turmoil. When Berkeley called for a re-election of Virginia’s assembly, the House of Burgesses, it backfired when Bacon and his followers were voted into power. This resulted in a cat and mouse game between the rebellious Bacon and his band and the Governor and his forces as Bacon laid siege on the capital of Jamestown.
[The aftermath of the rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of Chesapeake Society.] Bacon’s Rebellion collapsed when the instigator of the rebellion, Nathaniel Bacon, died of fever in October 1676. Without the support of the power-seeking Bacon to fuel his rebellious band of followers, the rebellion simply lost its determination, which would be evidence for the idea that the cause behind the Rebellion was purely magnified and distorted by the powerful orator, Bacon. The laws that were enacted during Bacon’s short stint in the House of Burgesses remained a permanent part of the Virginia Colony despite attempts by Governor Berkeley to repeal the laws. They were actually repealed by Governor Berkeley for a short time after the collapse of Bacon’s Rebellion, but most were restored in the February of 1677. The laws known as “Bacon’s Laws” were reforms to the political system that improved the political power of the lower classes and reduced the power of the social elite. They guaranteed rights such as voting for all freemen, the election of the vestry, representation in taxation and the abolishment of holding more than one office. Ironically, it is very doubtful that Bacon had any influence or decision making with these laws; rather they were likely written by Richard Lawrence and William Drummond, who were two supporters of Bacon that were elected to the House of Burgesses in 1676. Before these laws had been put in place, the political system had been dominated by the social elite, namely the very wealthy farmers, and there had been little outlet for the voice of the common class. It proves that, despite the fact that Bacon had rallied up the rebellion for the improvement of his own political situation, Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in the improvement of the entire colony’s political situation and made the government more accessible and adjustable to the public. Additionally, Bacon’s Rebellion caused the British Crown to order a royal investigation of the colony’s affairs, which eventually led to the termination of William Berkeley, who had been a poor and corrupt leader, as the Governor of Virginia. In many respects however, the rebellious nature displayed by the colonists served as a prelude to the American Revolution which would not occur for another hundred years. Some of the same issues that plagued colonists that participated in Bacon’s Rebellion, such as taxation without representation and a lack of involvement in their government, would fuel the revolutionaries one hundred years later.
[The concept of political and social progress following the power hungry political advances of an individual can be seen throughout history.] Generally speaking, the moral justification of an uprising against the government cannot be truly determined until sometime afterwards, although that is not to say that an opinion cannot be forged at the time of the civil strife. In hindsight, I believe it is easy to criticize the judgment of others in the past, but that does mean that those in the past are exempt from judging. Nathaniel Bacon, I believe, is a case in history where an individual exploited the frustrations of others in hopes that it would result in his own personal gain, in the case of Bacon, it was political. There are historical counterparts to Bacon’s example, both far extreme to one side and far extreme to other. An example of someone who’s patriotism was more much more sparked than Bacon would be the wealthy landowner George Washington, who joined the American Revolution partly out of his own desire for land claimed by the British government to belong to Indians. To the far other side could be an individual such as Maximilien Robespierre, who spearheaded the Great Terror that would eventually end in the reformed country of France. Since in hindsight, we can also view that Bacon’s Rebellion resulted in a change in the political make-up of the Virginia Colony that was reformed for the better of all of the people of Virginia, we can say that, despite whatever Bacon’s intentions were, it may have been the best for Virginia.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Outline
1) Pick a theme
2) How it affected/caused rebellion
3)How did it affect Chesapeake society?
4)How do we see this issue today?
On Bacon's Rebellion (Beverley);
"King Charles the Second, to gratify some nobles about him, made two great grants out of that country. These grants were not of the uncultivated wood land only, but also of plantations, which for many years had been seated and improved, under the encourag ement of several charters granted by his royal ancestors to that colony. Those grants were distinguished by the names of the Northern and Southern grants of Virginia, and the same men were concerned in both. They were kept dormant some years after they w ere made, and in the year 1674 begun to be put in execution. As soon as ever the country came to know this, they remonstrated against them; and the assembly drew up an humble address to his majesty, complaining of the said grants, as derogatory to the pr evious charters and privileges granted to that colony, by his majesty and his royal progenitors. They sent to England Mr. Secretary Ludwell and Colonel Park, as their agents to address the king, to vacate those grants. And the better to defray that charg e, they laid a tax of fifty pounds of tobacco per poll, for two years together, over and above all other taxes, which was an excessive burden. They likewise laid amercements of seventy, fifty, or thirty pounds of tobacco, as the cause was on every law ca se tried throughout the country. Besides all this, they applied the balance, remaining due upon accOunt Of the two shilling per hogshead, and fort duties, to this use. Which taxes and amercements fell heaviest on the poor people, the effect of whose labo r would not clothe their wives and children. This made them desperately uneasy, especially when, after a whole year's patience under all these pressures, they had no encouragement from their agents in England, to hope for remedy; nor any certainty when t hey should be eased of those heavy impositions."
Rubbish:
(of the nature of the thesis)
Nathaniel Bacon - instigator
of a problem there or not there?
untrue/exaggeration
the problem:
elite vs. the common/
abuse of power
contemporaries- modern and historical?
the voice of the instigator vs. the voice of the common
integrity of the instigator?
the relationship between the instigator and the accused
"Feeling that it would make his triumph complete, Bacon issued his "Declaration of the People" on July 30, 1676 which stated that Berkeley was corrupt, played favorites and protected the Indians for his own selfish purposes."
the relationship directly concering bacon and berkeley
Title:
Bacon's Rebellion & Politics
I. common vs. elite
(the situation is though that when people have frustrations concerning their political position, they look towards a leader- in the case of bacon's rebellion, it was nathaniel bacon)
i. Background:
A. Poor farmers were frustrated that the social elite controlled the political system for their own benefits.
B. They searched for an individual capable of leading their frustrations to the government.
bb. Nathaniel Bacon filled this role.
ii. Relationships:
A. (Instigator) Bacon's overwhelming popularity allowed him to play the leader and voice of the general unrest of the colony.
B.(Accused) Berkeley showed a lack of judgement in dealing with the situation at hand.
bb. Berkeley's overconfidence in his own political security caused him to foolishly place his own position of authority in danger.
II. the aftermath
i. Bacon's Rebellion resulted in a revision of the political make-up of Chesapeake society.
A. The instigators of Bacon's Rebellion were largely poor farmers and indentured servants.aa. It served as a final justification for rich plantation owners to make a final decision to transition from indentured servitude to a system of slavery.
aaa. Slaves do not political power.
B. Bacon's laws became a permanent part of the political system in Virginia.
bb. William Berkeley attempted to repeal these laws, but was unsuccessful when the British Crown intervened in Virginia.
bbb. Bacon's laws were reforms that reduced the influence of the elite in the government.
ii. In many ways, Bacon's Rebellion was a prelude to the events of the American Revolution that would occur a century later.
A. It was the first instance in which people in the British colonies would rise up against the unfairness of their government.
aa. Many of the same motivations which would fuel Bacon's Rebellion would fuel the American Revolution.
i.e. taxes, land, ect.
III. today
i. The situation of retaliation as a result of political unrest is a common plot throughout history.
A. This can be viewed both as a political rebellion and simply as an uncalled for disruption on the part of the rebellious individuals.
urls-
http://www.burgesslegacy.org/house.htm
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1379034
2) How it affected/caused rebellion
3)How did it affect Chesapeake society?
4)How do we see this issue today?
On Bacon's Rebellion (Beverley);
"King Charles the Second, to gratify some nobles about him, made two great grants out of that country. These grants were not of the uncultivated wood land only, but also of plantations, which for many years had been seated and improved, under the encourag ement of several charters granted by his royal ancestors to that colony. Those grants were distinguished by the names of the Northern and Southern grants of Virginia, and the same men were concerned in both. They were kept dormant some years after they w ere made, and in the year 1674 begun to be put in execution. As soon as ever the country came to know this, they remonstrated against them; and the assembly drew up an humble address to his majesty, complaining of the said grants, as derogatory to the pr evious charters and privileges granted to that colony, by his majesty and his royal progenitors. They sent to England Mr. Secretary Ludwell and Colonel Park, as their agents to address the king, to vacate those grants. And the better to defray that charg e, they laid a tax of fifty pounds of tobacco per poll, for two years together, over and above all other taxes, which was an excessive burden. They likewise laid amercements of seventy, fifty, or thirty pounds of tobacco, as the cause was on every law ca se tried throughout the country. Besides all this, they applied the balance, remaining due upon accOunt Of the two shilling per hogshead, and fort duties, to this use. Which taxes and amercements fell heaviest on the poor people, the effect of whose labo r would not clothe their wives and children. This made them desperately uneasy, especially when, after a whole year's patience under all these pressures, they had no encouragement from their agents in England, to hope for remedy; nor any certainty when t hey should be eased of those heavy impositions."
Rubbish:
(of the nature of the thesis)
Nathaniel Bacon - instigator
of a problem there or not there?
untrue/exaggeration
the problem:
elite vs. the common/
abuse of power
contemporaries- modern and historical?
the voice of the instigator vs. the voice of the common
integrity of the instigator?
the relationship between the instigator and the accused
"Feeling that it would make his triumph complete, Bacon issued his "Declaration of the People" on July 30, 1676 which stated that Berkeley was corrupt, played favorites and protected the Indians for his own selfish purposes."
the relationship directly concering bacon and berkeley
Focusing:
what I sort of want to focus my essay is the unrest caused by the relationship between Nathaniel Bacon and William Berkeley and just the overall effect that their relationship had on the political situation and how the political situation caused by Bacon's instigation and Berkeley's overconfidence caused the aftermath of Bacon's rebellion-
Title:
Bacon's Rebellion & Politics
I. common vs. elite
(the situation is though that when people have frustrations concerning their political position, they look towards a leader- in the case of bacon's rebellion, it was nathaniel bacon)
i. Background:
A. Poor farmers were frustrated that the social elite controlled the political system for their own benefits.
B. They searched for an individual capable of leading their frustrations to the government.
bb. Nathaniel Bacon filled this role.
ii. Relationships:
A. (Instigator) Bacon's overwhelming popularity allowed him to play the leader and voice of the general unrest of the colony.
B.(Accused) Berkeley showed a lack of judgement in dealing with the situation at hand.
bb. Berkeley's overconfidence in his own political security caused him to foolishly place his own position of authority in danger.
iii. "Declaration of the People"
A. The declaration of the people which was written by Bacon, formally declared that the government of Virginia was unjust and corrupt.
II. the aftermath
i. Bacon's Rebellion resulted in a revision of the political make-up of Chesapeake society.
A. The instigators of Bacon's Rebellion were largely poor farmers and indentured servants.aa. It served as a final justification for rich plantation owners to make a final decision to transition from indentured servitude to a system of slavery.
aaa. Slaves do not political power.
B. Bacon's laws became a permanent part of the political system in Virginia.
bb. William Berkeley attempted to repeal these laws, but was unsuccessful when the British Crown intervened in Virginia.
bbb. Bacon's laws were reforms that reduced the influence of the elite in the government.
ii. In many ways, Bacon's Rebellion was a prelude to the events of the American Revolution that would occur a century later.
A. It was the first instance in which people in the British colonies would rise up against the unfairness of their government.
aa. Many of the same motivations which would fuel Bacon's Rebellion would fuel the American Revolution.
i.e. taxes, land, ect.
III. today
i. The situation of retaliation as a result of political unrest is a common plot throughout history.
A. This can be viewed both as a political rebellion and simply as an uncalled for disruption on the part of the rebellious individuals.
urls-
http://www.burgesslegacy.org/house.htm
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1379034
Friday, October 5, 2007
AOD Blog
This is my first arts of democracy blog and I'm not sure exactly how to start it, so I guess I will do it in the only way I know how to do anything: just start talking. I've always been a pretty passionate person about government and politics and that sort of stuff, but I suppose my first real educational experience with democracy would be in ninth grade. We were all required to take our highschool graduation requirement of a social studies class, the reasoning behind it being that we would get it out of the way so we wouldn't have to take it later. That was probably my favorite class that I've ever had. I've always been a language arts junkie, but the language arts classes I've attended could never compare to my civics class. My success in a class is almost directly related to how much I enjoy what we're learning and in that class I ended up with the highest grade of anyone. When I say that, I don't mean to say, wow, look how amazingly cool I am, although I'll admit, I rarely am the top student,so I was pretty darn proud.
We went through the constitution in that class, the backbone of America's democratic system that's infused with our notions of a republic. It was an odd mixture of history, politics, current events, debate and basic human rights. Basically, it was a mixture of everything that drives me wild. I am fascinated with the idea of government and political science. I have strong principles and ethics and ideas and I have gained these based upon my own convictions of what is right and wrong. I have a firm respect for democracy; I believe that it is the driving force of human freedom in this world. Without democracy, there is no voice.
I guess I've always been attracted to the democratic forum of ideas though. I'm pretty close with my dad and one of the unique parts about our relationship is that everything we converse about is driving towards some logical conclusion about humankind. Our discussions range from politics to religion to philosophy. I'm close with my mom too, but we don't have the same philosophical relationship that my dad and I have. I really admire my father for raising me the way he did, in an open forum of ideas. I'm not saying my dad isn't narrow-minded, he is, but he's a firm proponent of democracy. I think it was him that taught me to love it too.
We went through the constitution in that class, the backbone of America's democratic system that's infused with our notions of a republic. It was an odd mixture of history, politics, current events, debate and basic human rights. Basically, it was a mixture of everything that drives me wild. I am fascinated with the idea of government and political science. I have strong principles and ethics and ideas and I have gained these based upon my own convictions of what is right and wrong. I have a firm respect for democracy; I believe that it is the driving force of human freedom in this world. Without democracy, there is no voice.
I guess I've always been attracted to the democratic forum of ideas though. I'm pretty close with my dad and one of the unique parts about our relationship is that everything we converse about is driving towards some logical conclusion about humankind. Our discussions range from politics to religion to philosophy. I'm close with my mom too, but we don't have the same philosophical relationship that my dad and I have. I really admire my father for raising me the way he did, in an open forum of ideas. I'm not saying my dad isn't narrow-minded, he is, but he's a firm proponent of democracy. I think it was him that taught me to love it too.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Topic Sentence?
The evolution of knowledge concerning the health risks of tobacco has been
The knowledge of the addictive health risks of tobacco
Despite the fact that the first publication ever on the health risks of smoking tobacco was published in 1611, it has taken until now before people have actually started realising it. In 1611, King James I published a pamphlet that warned against the health risks of the rapidly growing fad of smoking. However, his warnings were unheeded by Europeans who continued to bask in the idea that smoking was healthful and fashionable. However, today in this day and age, people are trying to publicize the dangers associated with tobacco, but tobacco is still killing thousands of people everyday.
The knowledge of the addictive health risks of tobacco
Despite the fact that the first publication ever on the health risks of smoking tobacco was published in 1611, it has taken until now before people have actually started realising it. In 1611, King James I published a pamphlet that warned against the health risks of the rapidly growing fad of smoking. However, his warnings were unheeded by Europeans who continued to bask in the idea that smoking was healthful and fashionable. However, today in this day and age, people are trying to publicize the dangers associated with tobacco, but tobacco is still killing thousands of people everyday.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Alternate Reality Games
1) consider why I would ask you to read it and 2) how this might impact you.
When I first read the article on ARG's, I was very confused as to why we would be assigned to read this for class. While the whole concept of the ARG sounds very appealing, I couldn't connect why it would be something we would be reading for writing. It does sound very cool though. I like to text base roleplay in my spare time, but I have never been involved in something like an ARG. I do like the idea of participating in a puzzle or scavenger alternate reality game if said oppurtunity ever came to me. As to why we were asked to read it, to be perfectly honest, I have no clue. Unfortunately, I don't really think that I am an abstract thinker. In fact, I am almost certain that I am not an abstract thinker. The only sort of hypotheticals I can relate to and think about are those that are on a people level- politics, philosophy, history. So, I know part of this is to consider why we are asked to read the article on ARG's and I have considered. I have considered that I have no clue why we were and am not going to pretend as though I have one. Therefore, the only question I have is, why were we asked to read this? Because, unfortunately, I cannot think of some theoretical reason on my own. I do not know how this might impact me because I do not know why we were asked to read it. This probably is a huge fault of mine, not being able to think in a way that is abstract, where I can dissect and analyze why something is... actually this is not true. That is probably all I do is dissect and analyze. In fact, I do it so much that that is all that I think about sometimes. It is very difficult to do normal daily activities when you are constantly beating yourself up over every action you make and the consequences to said action. But, this really doesn't relate to the question, does it?
When I first read the article on ARG's, I was very confused as to why we would be assigned to read this for class. While the whole concept of the ARG sounds very appealing, I couldn't connect why it would be something we would be reading for writing. It does sound very cool though. I like to text base roleplay in my spare time, but I have never been involved in something like an ARG. I do like the idea of participating in a puzzle or scavenger alternate reality game if said oppurtunity ever came to me. As to why we were asked to read it, to be perfectly honest, I have no clue. Unfortunately, I don't really think that I am an abstract thinker. In fact, I am almost certain that I am not an abstract thinker. The only sort of hypotheticals I can relate to and think about are those that are on a people level- politics, philosophy, history. So, I know part of this is to consider why we are asked to read the article on ARG's and I have considered. I have considered that I have no clue why we were and am not going to pretend as though I have one. Therefore, the only question I have is, why were we asked to read this? Because, unfortunately, I cannot think of some theoretical reason on my own. I do not know how this might impact me because I do not know why we were asked to read it. This probably is a huge fault of mine, not being able to think in a way that is abstract, where I can dissect and analyze why something is... actually this is not true. That is probably all I do is dissect and analyze. In fact, I do it so much that that is all that I think about sometimes. It is very difficult to do normal daily activities when you are constantly beating yourself up over every action you make and the consequences to said action. But, this really doesn't relate to the question, does it?
Monday, October 1, 2007
Service Day Reflection
I know that this is supposed to be reflections on the PSEC Service Day, but I really don't have anything to reflect on. I went to some lady's house in Auburn and cleaned. Her house was cleaner than mine and my house is very neat. I couldn't understand why she needed volunteers cleaning her house though. She had a lot of really wonderful antiques. I thought about asking her if I could buy them, but decided against this. I tried telling her I thought her house was really pretty, but I had to say this like three times and I think she thought I said, "your house is really dirty" because she said something like, "yeah, we're gonna clean it."
She was very nice though. I wanted to do the dishes in the sink, but she wouldn't let me. We scrubbed her hardwood floors with vinegar water, which was very new. Other than that, we washed windows and dusted. But, she didn't have any wax so basically I was just getting dust in the air or on the floor. Luckily someone was vacuuming. That was about it. I really didn't feel anything. I just felt like I was cleaning. I didn't feel bad for the lady or anything. I don't know if we were supposed to. I can't see why I should have. Her house was cleaner than ours so I don't know what she need help with.
I really don't have any reflections in it. I really don't understand reflections. I have done them before for school concerning community service and they just seemed like some sort of filler assignment. Because honestly, I don't understand what I am supposed to be reflecting upon. I mean, a reflection is supposed to be an inward reflection on yourself, right? Otherwise, it would be a narration. But, if I have nothing inside concerning something, how am I supposed to reflect on it? I cannot. Therefore, I really don't understand what I am supposed to be saying.
She was very nice though. I wanted to do the dishes in the sink, but she wouldn't let me. We scrubbed her hardwood floors with vinegar water, which was very new. Other than that, we washed windows and dusted. But, she didn't have any wax so basically I was just getting dust in the air or on the floor. Luckily someone was vacuuming. That was about it. I really didn't feel anything. I just felt like I was cleaning. I didn't feel bad for the lady or anything. I don't know if we were supposed to. I can't see why I should have. Her house was cleaner than ours so I don't know what she need help with.
I really don't have any reflections in it. I really don't understand reflections. I have done them before for school concerning community service and they just seemed like some sort of filler assignment. Because honestly, I don't understand what I am supposed to be reflecting upon. I mean, a reflection is supposed to be an inward reflection on yourself, right? Otherwise, it would be a narration. But, if I have nothing inside concerning something, how am I supposed to reflect on it? I cannot. Therefore, I really don't understand what I am supposed to be saying.
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