Nathaniel Bacon's Two Declarations

Bacon’s rebellion was a fortified fight that was known to eventually lead to the use of slaves instead of indentured servants. Two declarations were written by each man, arguing their side of the story and stating what would be done if the other did not submit. In the two passages, both men mention his Majesty, they were attempting to be in the Crown’s favor. By carefully examining Governor Berkley’s Declaration and Nathaniel Bacon’s declaration it is seen that Nathaniel Bacon throws many accusations at Gov. Berkeley, Gov. Berkeley responds with a list of reasons for his actions, and that behind the scenes both men are trying selfishly to grow their own wealth. First, Nathaniel Bacon immediately started throwing accusations at Governor Berkeley. Bacon’s argument was that Gov. Berkeley had been dishonest and unfair to the indentured servants. As an indentured servant, you sign a contract agreeing to work for a certain amount of time and then you are given money and land. Bacon’s argument was that Berkley had “pretences of publiqe works raised greate unjust taxes upon the Comonality for the …show more content…
Bacon demanded that his instructions be met or else he would strike back. He was very stern and drastic. Governor Berkeley on the other hand tried to collectively explain himself, apologized if he did any wrong, and tried to end the rebellion before it started. Clearly, his efforts did not work and Jamestown was attacked. Berkeley had no other option than fight back but they simple could not withstand the major impact that Bacon’s rebels had. In the end Jamestown was burned to the ground but shortly after his victory Bacon was not able to reap the prize of winning because he died soon after. The rebellion could have been avoided if the two men would have civilly come to a compromise. Instead, they both let their stubbornness and greed get in the way and this led to what we know as Bacon’s