King Philip’s War and Bacon’s Rebellion were two turning points in early American history, which was then known to the English colonies. Many of the conflicts that occurred in the British colonies began because of the friction that arose between the Native Americans and the colonists. King Philip’s War of 1675 and Bacon’s Rebellion of 1676 are no exceptions (Donaldson, 2018). Starting a year apart, both had significant repercussions for the British colonies and what would become the United States.
The issues of Nathaniel Bacon’s Rebellion and King Philip’s Colonialism were similar in many ways. Initially, the policy towards the Indians was unfavorable for them, and both individuals proved that their attitude towards the indigenous population largely depended on the interests of their wealth. Bacon’s rebellion was the result of the outlying settlers being frustrated by the feeble efforts of the aristocrats of the East to protect them from Indian attacks (Donaldson, 2018). Bacon led the backcountry in an attack on the Indians over the land, challenging the government of Virginia, which led to fighting not only against the Indians but also against the governor and settlers in Jamestown.
By comparison, King Philip’s War began strictly with the Indians fighting to defend their way of life, which was threatened by the English, who quickly settled in New England and destroyed the forests. Thus, King Philip’s War is an unsuccessful attempt by New England Native Americans to expel the English colonists. In contrast, Nathaniel’s Rebellion is the result of dissatisfaction with the English inhabitants of Virginia on American policy toward the Indians (Donaldson, 2018).
Although Bacon’s Rebellion and King Phillip’s War started with different problems, which became the causes of the struggles, the problems of English bribery and greed were common.
Reference
Donaldson, T. (2018). American colonial history. Creative Media Partners, LLC.