The Paxton Boys, and Bacon’s and Shay’s men shared similar concerns when they launched their short-lived violent rebellions. These rebellious streaks in early and pre-American history were indicative of ongoing conflicts within both class and government that define the country’s labor history.
Bacon’s Rebellion came first, in 1676. Though historians dispute the personal motives of Nathaniel Bacon himself, his followers took up arms in Jamestown and against the Governor William Berkeley out of a shared and growing discontent with issues ranging from unfair taxation, political corruption, and primarily, security from the native tribes. These two parties, the Governor’s political allies in the upper class and back in Britain, and Bacon’s lower class common-men and African slaves, clashed violently, culminating in the burning of the capitol, the flight of the Governor across the river, and the eventual disbandment of the rebellion following Bacon’s death and military assistance from the crown. The reactions were swift- after regaining control, Berkeley would put to death some 20 men, and the politically powerful would take measures to protect against future rebellions: concessions on matters of taxation and security, but the reinstitution of property requirements for voting and a strengthening of strict …show more content…
These new democratic benefits came in the form of universal white male suffrage and an expanded range of political offices that would be elected. This removal of property requirements and increase in electable positions gave greater political influence to the common man and drastically shifted the course of political debate towards trade unions and worker’s rights, even greater focus on abolitionism, and organized labor parties made up of those now empowered to represent the interests of the lower
Bacon’s Rebellion came first, in 1676. Though historians dispute the personal motives of Nathaniel Bacon himself, his followers took up arms in Jamestown and against the Governor William Berkeley out of a shared and growing discontent with issues ranging from unfair taxation, political corruption, and primarily, security from the native tribes. These two parties, the Governor’s political allies in the upper class and back in Britain, and Bacon’s lower class common-men and African slaves, clashed violently, culminating in the burning of the capitol, the flight of the Governor across the river, and the eventual disbandment of the rebellion following Bacon’s death and military assistance from the crown. The reactions were swift- after regaining control, Berkeley would put to death some 20 men, and the politically powerful would take measures to protect against future rebellions: concessions on matters of taxation and security, but the reinstitution of property requirements for voting and a strengthening of strict …show more content…
These new democratic benefits came in the form of universal white male suffrage and an expanded range of political offices that would be elected. This removal of property requirements and increase in electable positions gave greater political influence to the common man and drastically shifted the course of political debate towards trade unions and worker’s rights, even greater focus on abolitionism, and organized labor parties made up of those now empowered to represent the interests of the lower