Problems of 1675

During the years of 1675 and 1676 the North American colonies experienced conflicts that shaped the dynamics of their colonial life. King Phillip’s War would effectively end relations between the New England colonists and the Indians. Also, the rebellion in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon stressed the growing discontent of poor frontier farmers for British rule. The consequences of these two events clearly had an impact on different levels that would extend well beyond their time. Therefore, the years 1675 and 1676 played a very significant role in the Northern American colonies.

The New England colonists were in constant contact with Indians since their arrival. Conflict was unavoidable between the two polar opposite cultures. The colonists sought to convert the Indians into Christians and attempt to civilize the “barbarians.” Also, the expansion of colonies into Indian Territory was a major concern among the Indian tribes. King Phillip’s War was the result of the ongoing tensions between the two cultures. Both the colonists and the Indians grew increasingly suspicious of each other eventually leading to war.

King Phillip was the name given to the leader of the Indian Confederacy, Metacomet. Metacomet was able to unite several different Indian tribes and led the attacks on the American colonies. The Indians attacked first and were successful in

destroying several towns throughout New England. However, the colonists eventually turn the tide of the war with support from the British. Over 3,000 Indians were killed during the War significantly decreasing their power in New England. The consequences

of the war were quite significant. The war only intensified the hatred between the colonists and Indians. Many New England towns took years to recover from the damage they received. The great losses on both sides would be remembered for years and would set the stage for later conflict between the two sides.

However the major consequence of the war was the increase in British authority in New England. The colonists had to rely on British support to overcome the Indian attacks. As a result the colonies were in great debt to the British. Also, the colonists argued over what to do with the newly acquired land that could possibly be settled. In response to the war and debts the British eventually put Sir Andros in charge to oversee the New England colonies. The Navigation Acts were now enforced stricter than ever with the help of the retained British soldiers due to the expense of shipping them back to. Ironically, even though New England's colonies had prevailed on the battlefield, King Philip's War led to the loss of much of their political autonomy.

Bacon’s Rebellion was another event that made the years 1675 to 1676 quite significant. Nathaniel Bacon was a colonist who owned a plantation in Jamestown. During this time the western settlers of Virginia were facing constant attacks from Indians. The Royal Governor of Virginia, William Berkeley, however did very little to put a stop to the raiding Indians. In fact Berkeley was making immense profit from

trading with Indians and didn’t want to jeopardize that by reacting to the colonists claims of raids. Nathaniel Bacon eventually decided to take matters into his own hand and

raised 500 troops to suppress the Indian attacks. This of course was done without the permission of the royal governor. Berkeley responded by labeling Bacon as a rebel and traitor. However, Berkeley revoked this when Bacon accepted his seat in the Virginian House of Burgesses peacefully. However, Bacon continued to criticize Berkeley. He not only criticized him for the doing nothing about the Indians but also for high taxes and a poor trade economy with Britain. Eventually Bacon and his followers took over Jamestown and ruled for a couple of months. Before Berkeley could regain control, Bacon fled after he set fire to the town. Bacon eventually died of dysentery and his rebellion died with him.

Bacon’s Rebellion was significant in two ways. First,