HST 201 Module #3
Module Three: There Goes The Neighborhood (1607 CE - 1713 CE)
The period from 1607 CE to 1713 CE is a crucial period in the history of the United States. During this time, the first English colony was established in America, the foundations of slavery were laid, and the country saw significant growth and development. It is important to study this period today as it provides valuable insights into the history of America, the roots of racism, and the evolution of the American identity.
In 1607, the first permanent English settlement was established in Jamestown, Virginia. This marked the beginning of the colonization of America by European powers. The establishment of the English colony in Virginia had a profound impact on the history of the United States, as it led to the eventual settlement and expansion of the country. However, this expansion came at the cost of Native American lives and land. The colonizers brought with them diseases that devastated the native population, and they took over land that belonged to the indigenous people.
The period from 1607 to 1713 also saw the rise of slavery in America. In 1619, the first Africans were brought to Virginia as indentured servants. However, this soon evolved into a system of permanent slavery that was based on race. The institution of slavery had a profound impact on American society, and its legacy can still be seen today. Slavery fueled the growth of the American economy, but it also perpetuated racial inequality and discrimination.
The period from 1607 to 1713 also saw significant growth and development in America. The colonies grew and prospered, and new colonies were established. The first American newspapers were published, and the first American universities were founded. The American identity began to take shape during this period, and the colonies began to develop a sense of independence from England.
However, the period from 1607 to 1713 was not without its negatives. The treatment of Native Americans and the institution of slavery were both deeply problematic and have had lasting effects on American society. Additionally, the relationship between the colonies and England was often fraught with tension, leading to the eventual American Revolution.
In conclusion, the period from 1607 to 1713 is a crucial period in American history. It marked the beginning of the colonization of America by European powers, the rise of slavery, and the growth and development of the colonies. It is important to study this period today as it provides valuable insights into the history of America, the roots of racism, and the evolution of the American identity.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
Works Cited:
Henretta, James A., et al. America's History. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2019.
Nash, Gary B. Red, White, and Black: The Peoples of Early North America. Pearson, 2015.
Morgan, Edmund S. American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia. W.W. Norton & Company, 1975.
The period from 1607 CE to 1713 CE is a crucial period in the history of the United States. During this time, the first English colony was established in America, the foundations of slavery were laid, and the country saw significant growth and development. It is important to study this period today as it provides valuable insights into the history of America, the roots of racism, and the evolution of the American identity.
In 1607, the first permanent English settlement was established in Jamestown, Virginia. This marked the beginning of the colonization of America by European powers. The establishment of the English colony in Virginia had a profound impact on the history of the United States, as it led to the eventual settlement and expansion of the country. However, this expansion came at the cost of Native American lives and land. The colonizers brought with them diseases that devastated the native population, and they took over land that belonged to the indigenous people.
The period from 1607 to 1713 also saw the rise of slavery in America. In 1619, the first Africans were brought to Virginia as indentured servants. However, this soon evolved into a system of permanent slavery that was based on race. The institution of slavery had a profound impact on American society, and its legacy can still be seen today. Slavery fueled the growth of the American economy, but it also perpetuated racial inequality and discrimination.
The period from 1607 to 1713 also saw significant growth and development in America. The colonies grew and prospered, and new colonies were established. The first American newspapers were published, and the first American universities were founded. The American identity began to take shape during this period, and the colonies began to develop a sense of independence from England.
However, the period from 1607 to 1713 was not without its negatives. The treatment of Native Americans and the institution of slavery were both deeply problematic and have had lasting effects on American society. Additionally, the relationship between the colonies and England was often fraught with tension, leading to the eventual American Revolution.
In conclusion, the period from 1607 to 1713 is a crucial period in American history. It marked the beginning of the colonization of America by European powers, the rise of slavery, and the growth and development of the colonies. It is important to study this period today as it provides valuable insights into the history of America, the roots of racism, and the evolution of the American identity.
THE RUNDOWN
- The period from 1607 CE to 1713 CE is a crucial period in the history of the United States.
- In 1607, the first permanent English settlement was established in Jamestown, Virginia, marking the beginning of the colonization of America by European powers.
- This expansion came at the cost of Native American lives and land as the colonizers brought diseases and took over indigenous people's land.
- The period also saw the rise of slavery in America, starting in 1619 with the arrival of the first Africans as indentured servants, but soon evolving into a system of permanent slavery based on race.
- Slavery had a profound impact on American society, perpetuating racial inequality and discrimination.
- However, the period also saw significant growth and development in America, with the colonies prospering, new colonies established, and the American identity beginning to take shape.
- The treatment of Native Americans and the institution of slavery were deeply problematic, leading to lasting effects on American society and tension with England.
- Studying this period provides valuable insights into the history of America, the roots of racism, and the evolution of the American identity.
QUESTIONS
- Why is the period from 1607 CE to 1713 CE a crucial period in American history?
- What impact did the establishment of the first English colony in America have on the history of the United States?
- How did the institution of slavery evolve during this period and what impact did it have on American society?
Works Cited:
Henretta, James A., et al. America's History. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2019.
Nash, Gary B. Red, White, and Black: The Peoples of Early North America. Pearson, 2015.
Morgan, Edmund S. American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia. W.W. Norton & Company, 1975.
#3 Credit is Important
Academics as done a real number on me. After countless hours sitting in a classroom, whether in the back row or up front giving a lecture, one thing stands out to me a pox on the American education system: The group project. Such a vile form of torture. Everyone remembers the first group project they had to do. Their middle school teacher pair you off with 2 to 4 other people to give a presentation on some topic or another. It was something you didn’t necessarily have a passion for, but you wanted to get a decent grade, so you were willing to work with others on this task.
Now enters the actors. First, the bossy student that is the loudest and most insistent on doing thing THEIR way. They refuse to work with other and have a shared vision of only their vision. You know the type, self-aggrandizing that have an inflated self-worth. These are the people that run for political office someday.
The other student is far more insipid. This person sits back quietly, doesn’t contribute, aside from nodding their head in approval occasionally. They promise to give the presentation after YOU make the poster board and YOU do all the research. As the group toils away laboriously, they sit and wait to deliver the speech portion, that everyone for some reason tries to avoid like the plague. Then, in an act of cunning treachery, the day the presentation is due, that kid is OUT SICK. So, the bossy kid makes you do the presentation, because when the rubber hits the road, the domineering kid is loud, not actually informed. You were played like a fiddle.
Why this clearly anecdotal story? Rule number three of history: Credit is important. Everyone one, whether political party or ethnic group wants to take credit for the past. Who built what. Who was the first. In the scheme of things, this can seem innocuous, or harmless. But not if you ask “why” the credit is being taken.
Giving proper credit helps to ensure that the history of an event or time is accurately represented rather than being distorted or misunderstood. This is particularly important for marginalized or underrepresented groups, whose contributions and perspectives may be overlooked or minimized if proper credit is not given. Proper credit helps to recognize and honor the contributions of individuals and groups who have played essential roles in historical events. By giving credit where it is due, we can acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of those who have shaped the world we live in today.
Giving proper credit helps to preserve the historical memory of an event or period, ensuring that the stories and experiences of those who lived through it are not forgotten. This is especially important for events or periods that may be at risks of being forgotten or overlooked, such as those that occurred in the distant past or those that affected small or marginalized groups. Christopher Columbus is often credited with "discovering" America, but this is inaccurate. Columbus landed on islands in the Caribbean, and indigenous peoples had already inhabited the landmass of North and South America for thousands of years. In recent years, there has been a push to acknowledge these indigenous peoples' contributions and correct the narrative surrounding Columbus's "discovery" of the Americas.
Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, but this is only partially accurate. Edison improved existing designs for the light bulb and is credited with the first commercially viable light bulb. Still, he was one of many who came up with the idea of using electricity to create light. Other inventors, such as Warren de la Rue and Frederick de Moleyns, had also developed early light bulb versions. Rosalind Franklin made essential contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA, but she needed to be credited appropriately at the time. Franklin's work, which involved using X-ray crystallography to create detailed images of the structure of DNA, was crucial to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. However, she was not included in the Nobel Prize awarded to James Watson and Francis Crick for their discovery. It was not until decades later that Franklin was adequately recognized for her contributions to the field.
These examples demonstrate how important it is to give proper credit to individuals and groups who have made significant historical contributions. Inaccurate recognition can lead to a distorted understanding of the past and obscure the contributions of those who may have been overlooked or marginalized.
THE RUNDOWN
Academics as done a real number on me. After countless hours sitting in a classroom, whether in the back row or up front giving a lecture, one thing stands out to me a pox on the American education system: The group project. Such a vile form of torture. Everyone remembers the first group project they had to do. Their middle school teacher pair you off with 2 to 4 other people to give a presentation on some topic or another. It was something you didn’t necessarily have a passion for, but you wanted to get a decent grade, so you were willing to work with others on this task.
Now enters the actors. First, the bossy student that is the loudest and most insistent on doing thing THEIR way. They refuse to work with other and have a shared vision of only their vision. You know the type, self-aggrandizing that have an inflated self-worth. These are the people that run for political office someday.
The other student is far more insipid. This person sits back quietly, doesn’t contribute, aside from nodding their head in approval occasionally. They promise to give the presentation after YOU make the poster board and YOU do all the research. As the group toils away laboriously, they sit and wait to deliver the speech portion, that everyone for some reason tries to avoid like the plague. Then, in an act of cunning treachery, the day the presentation is due, that kid is OUT SICK. So, the bossy kid makes you do the presentation, because when the rubber hits the road, the domineering kid is loud, not actually informed. You were played like a fiddle.
Why this clearly anecdotal story? Rule number three of history: Credit is important. Everyone one, whether political party or ethnic group wants to take credit for the past. Who built what. Who was the first. In the scheme of things, this can seem innocuous, or harmless. But not if you ask “why” the credit is being taken.
Giving proper credit helps to ensure that the history of an event or time is accurately represented rather than being distorted or misunderstood. This is particularly important for marginalized or underrepresented groups, whose contributions and perspectives may be overlooked or minimized if proper credit is not given. Proper credit helps to recognize and honor the contributions of individuals and groups who have played essential roles in historical events. By giving credit where it is due, we can acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of those who have shaped the world we live in today.
Giving proper credit helps to preserve the historical memory of an event or period, ensuring that the stories and experiences of those who lived through it are not forgotten. This is especially important for events or periods that may be at risks of being forgotten or overlooked, such as those that occurred in the distant past or those that affected small or marginalized groups. Christopher Columbus is often credited with "discovering" America, but this is inaccurate. Columbus landed on islands in the Caribbean, and indigenous peoples had already inhabited the landmass of North and South America for thousands of years. In recent years, there has been a push to acknowledge these indigenous peoples' contributions and correct the narrative surrounding Columbus's "discovery" of the Americas.
Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, but this is only partially accurate. Edison improved existing designs for the light bulb and is credited with the first commercially viable light bulb. Still, he was one of many who came up with the idea of using electricity to create light. Other inventors, such as Warren de la Rue and Frederick de Moleyns, had also developed early light bulb versions. Rosalind Franklin made essential contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA, but she needed to be credited appropriately at the time. Franklin's work, which involved using X-ray crystallography to create detailed images of the structure of DNA, was crucial to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. However, she was not included in the Nobel Prize awarded to James Watson and Francis Crick for their discovery. It was not until decades later that Franklin was adequately recognized for her contributions to the field.
These examples demonstrate how important it is to give proper credit to individuals and groups who have made significant historical contributions. Inaccurate recognition can lead to a distorted understanding of the past and obscure the contributions of those who may have been overlooked or marginalized.
THE RUNDOWN
- The American education system needs help with group projects.
- Group projects can be challenging because of bossy and unhelpful group members.
- It's important to give credit where it's due in history to represent events and prevent distortion or misunderstanding accurately.
- Proper credit helps recognize and honor marginalized or underrepresented groups and their contributions to history.
- Giving proper credit helps preserve the historical memory of an event or period, especially those at risk of being forgotten or overlooked.
- Examples of inaccurately given credit include Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering America, Thomas Edison being credited as the sole inventor of the light bulb, and Rosalind Franklin not being credited for her contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA.
HIGHLIGHTS
We've got some fine classroom lectures coming your way, all courtesy of the RPTM podcast. These lectures will take you on a wild ride through history, exploring everything from ancient civilizations and epic battles to scientific breakthroughs and artistic revolutions. The podcast will guide you through each lecture with its no-nonsense, straight-talking style, using various sources to give you the lowdown on each topic. You won't find any fancy-pants jargon or convoluted theories here, just plain and straightforward explanations anyone can understand. So sit back and prepare to soak up some knowledge.
LECTURES
LECTURES
READING
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.
Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. First, we've got Carnes - this guy's a real maverick when it comes to studying the good ol' US of A. He's all about the secret societies that helped shape our culture in the 1800s. You know, the ones that operated behind closed doors had their fingers in all sorts of pies. Carnes is the man who can unravel those mysteries and give us a glimpse into the underbelly of American culture. We've also got Garraty in the mix. This guy's no slouch either - he's known for taking a big-picture view of American history and bringing it to life with his engaging writing style. Whether profiling famous figures from our past or digging deep into a particular aspect of our nation's history, Garraty always keeps it accurate and accessible. You don't need a Ph.D. to understand what he's saying, and that's why he's a true heavyweight in the field.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's Patriot's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
- Carnes Chapter 3: "American Society in the Making”
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.
Mark C. Carnes and John A. Garraty are respected historians who have made notable contributions to American history. First, we've got Carnes - this guy's a real maverick when it comes to studying the good ol' US of A. He's all about the secret societies that helped shape our culture in the 1800s. You know, the ones that operated behind closed doors had their fingers in all sorts of pies. Carnes is the man who can unravel those mysteries and give us a glimpse into the underbelly of American culture. We've also got Garraty in the mix. This guy's no slouch either - he's known for taking a big-picture view of American history and bringing it to life with his engaging writing style. Whether profiling famous figures from our past or digging deep into a particular aspect of our nation's history, Garraty always keeps it accurate and accessible. You don't need a Ph.D. to understand what he's saying, and that's why he's a true heavyweight in the field.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's Patriot's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.

Zinn, A People's History of the United States
"... Bacon's Rebellion began with conflict over how to deal with the Indians, who were close by, on the western frontier, constantly threatening. Whites who had been ignored when huge land grants around Jamestown were given away had gone west to find land, and there they encountered Indians. Were those frontier Virginians resentful that the politicos and landed aristocrats who controlled the colony's government in Jamestown first pushed them westward into Indian territory, and then seemed indecisive in fighting the Indians? That might explain the character of their rebellion, not easily classifiable as either antiaristocrat or anti-Indian, because it was both...
... Times were hard in 1676. 'There was genuine distress, genuine poverty.... All contemporary sources speak of the great mass of people as living in severe economic straits,' writes Wilcomb Washburn, who, using British colonial records, has done an exhaustive study of Bacon's Rebellion. It was a dry summer, ruining the corn crop, which was needed for food, and the tobacco crop, needed for export. Governor Berkeley, in his seventies, tired of holding office, wrote wearily about his situation: 'How miserable that man is that Governes a People where six parts of seaven at least are Poore Endebted Discontented and Armed.'
His phrase 'six parts of seaven' suggests the existence of an upper class not so impoverished. In fact, there was such a class already developed in Virginia. Bacon himself came from this class, had a good bit of land, and was probably more enthusiastic about killing Indians than about redressing the grievances of the poor. But he became a symbol of mass resentment against the Virginia establishment, and was elected in the spring of 1676 to the House of Burgesses. When he insisted on organizing armed detachments to fight the Indians, outside official control, Berkeley proclaimed him a rebel and had him captured, whereupon two thousand Virginians marched into Jamestown to support him. Berkeley let Bacon go, in return for an apology, but Bacon went off, gathered his militia, and began raiding the Indians..."
"... Bacon's Rebellion began with conflict over how to deal with the Indians, who were close by, on the western frontier, constantly threatening. Whites who had been ignored when huge land grants around Jamestown were given away had gone west to find land, and there they encountered Indians. Were those frontier Virginians resentful that the politicos and landed aristocrats who controlled the colony's government in Jamestown first pushed them westward into Indian territory, and then seemed indecisive in fighting the Indians? That might explain the character of their rebellion, not easily classifiable as either antiaristocrat or anti-Indian, because it was both...
... Times were hard in 1676. 'There was genuine distress, genuine poverty.... All contemporary sources speak of the great mass of people as living in severe economic straits,' writes Wilcomb Washburn, who, using British colonial records, has done an exhaustive study of Bacon's Rebellion. It was a dry summer, ruining the corn crop, which was needed for food, and the tobacco crop, needed for export. Governor Berkeley, in his seventies, tired of holding office, wrote wearily about his situation: 'How miserable that man is that Governes a People where six parts of seaven at least are Poore Endebted Discontented and Armed.'
His phrase 'six parts of seaven' suggests the existence of an upper class not so impoverished. In fact, there was such a class already developed in Virginia. Bacon himself came from this class, had a good bit of land, and was probably more enthusiastic about killing Indians than about redressing the grievances of the poor. But he became a symbol of mass resentment against the Virginia establishment, and was elected in the spring of 1676 to the House of Burgesses. When he insisted on organizing armed detachments to fight the Indians, outside official control, Berkeley proclaimed him a rebel and had him captured, whereupon two thousand Virginians marched into Jamestown to support him. Berkeley let Bacon go, in return for an apology, but Bacon went off, gathered his militia, and began raiding the Indians..."

Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"... Nathaniel Bacon Jr., an eloquent and educated resident in Charles City County, had only lived in Virginia fourteen months before he was named to the governor’s council. A hero among commoners, Bacon nonetheless was an aristocrat who simmered over his lack of access to the governor’s inner circle. His large farm in the west stood on the front line of frontier defense, and naturally Bacon favored an aggressive strategy against the Indians. But he was not alone. Many western Virginians, noting signs of unrest among the tribes, petitioned Berkeley for military protection. Bacon went further, offering to organize and lead his own expedition against the Indians. In June 1676 he demanded a commission 'against the heathen,' saying, 'God damme my blood, I came for a commission, and a commission I will have before I goe!' Governor Berkeley, convinced that the colonists had exaggerated the threat, refused to send troops and rejected Bacon’s suggestion to form an independent unit.
Meanwhile, small raids by both Indians and whites started to escalate into larger attacks. In 1676, Bacon, despite his lack of official approval, led a march to track hostiles. Instead, he encountered and killed friendly Indians, which threatened to drag the entire region into war. From a sense of betrayal, he then turned his 500 men on the government at Jamestown. Berkeley maneuvered to stave off a coup by Bacon when he appointed him general, in charge of the Indian campaign. Satisfied, Bacon departed, whereupon Berkeley rescinded his support and attempted to raise an army loyal to himself. Bacon returned, and finding the ragtag militia, scattered Berkeley’s hastily organized force, whereupon Bacon burned most of the buildings at Jamestown.
No sooner had Bacon conquered Jamestown than he contracted a virus and died. Leaderless, Bacon’s troops lacked the ability to resist Berkeley and his forces, who, bolstered by the arrival of 1,100 British troops, regained control of the colony. Berkeley promptly hanged 23 of the rebels and confiscated the property of others—actions that violated English property law and resulted in the governor’s being summoned back to England to explain his behavior. Reprimanded by King Charles, Berkeley died before he could return to the colony..."
"... Nathaniel Bacon Jr., an eloquent and educated resident in Charles City County, had only lived in Virginia fourteen months before he was named to the governor’s council. A hero among commoners, Bacon nonetheless was an aristocrat who simmered over his lack of access to the governor’s inner circle. His large farm in the west stood on the front line of frontier defense, and naturally Bacon favored an aggressive strategy against the Indians. But he was not alone. Many western Virginians, noting signs of unrest among the tribes, petitioned Berkeley for military protection. Bacon went further, offering to organize and lead his own expedition against the Indians. In June 1676 he demanded a commission 'against the heathen,' saying, 'God damme my blood, I came for a commission, and a commission I will have before I goe!' Governor Berkeley, convinced that the colonists had exaggerated the threat, refused to send troops and rejected Bacon’s suggestion to form an independent unit.
Meanwhile, small raids by both Indians and whites started to escalate into larger attacks. In 1676, Bacon, despite his lack of official approval, led a march to track hostiles. Instead, he encountered and killed friendly Indians, which threatened to drag the entire region into war. From a sense of betrayal, he then turned his 500 men on the government at Jamestown. Berkeley maneuvered to stave off a coup by Bacon when he appointed him general, in charge of the Indian campaign. Satisfied, Bacon departed, whereupon Berkeley rescinded his support and attempted to raise an army loyal to himself. Bacon returned, and finding the ragtag militia, scattered Berkeley’s hastily organized force, whereupon Bacon burned most of the buildings at Jamestown.
No sooner had Bacon conquered Jamestown than he contracted a virus and died. Leaderless, Bacon’s troops lacked the ability to resist Berkeley and his forces, who, bolstered by the arrival of 1,100 British troops, regained control of the colony. Berkeley promptly hanged 23 of the rebels and confiscated the property of others—actions that violated English property law and resulted in the governor’s being summoned back to England to explain his behavior. Reprimanded by King Charles, Berkeley died before he could return to the colony..."

Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"... In the telling of the history of the West, 'bottom-up' scholars replaced the silly romanticism of older historians with a far more intelligent and hardheaded narrative of American expansion. But now we have scores of books in which the story of the West is an unrelenting litany of oppression, exploitation, and genocide, in which ghost towns, bleak Indian reservations, depressed barrios, and strip mines dominate the scene. None of this is 'wrong,' but it surely reduces human experience to its most unpleasant aspects. More importantly, it neglects the remarkable freedoms and pleasures that miners, lumberjacks, railroad workers, prostitutes, Indians, blacks, Mexicans, and Chinese enjoyed—often together, in the same rooms—in the lawless, wide-open towns of the American frontier..."
"... In the telling of the history of the West, 'bottom-up' scholars replaced the silly romanticism of older historians with a far more intelligent and hardheaded narrative of American expansion. But now we have scores of books in which the story of the West is an unrelenting litany of oppression, exploitation, and genocide, in which ghost towns, bleak Indian reservations, depressed barrios, and strip mines dominate the scene. None of this is 'wrong,' but it surely reduces human experience to its most unpleasant aspects. More importantly, it neglects the remarkable freedoms and pleasures that miners, lumberjacks, railroad workers, prostitutes, Indians, blacks, Mexicans, and Chinese enjoyed—often together, in the same rooms—in the lawless, wide-open towns of the American frontier..."
So, let's take a gander at this scene here: It's the year 1676, right smack in colonial Virginia, and by golly, things are not exactly fantastic. Bless their souls; these settlers are grappling with tribulations—pesky Indian raids, the pinchin' taxes, and a distinct lack of opportunities to boot. Meanwhile, the highfalutin planters, strutting around like peacocks, got it made. They hold all the cards, pulling the strings of this here government. Now, you can see why harmony isn't precisely the day's dish, right? Alright, here's the deal: Nathaniel Bacon, this wealthy guy, has had enough. He's fed up with the powers-that-be, the establishment, keeping all the power and wealth to themselves. So what does he do? He rallies the lower-class settlers, who've been getting screwed over for too long, and they all band together to take on the system. It's a rebellion—a fight against the status quo. And you know what? They're not backing down.
The Rebellion lays bare the deep-seated problems in American society, namely the glaring economic and political inequalities between different social classes. Indeed, these issues continue to shape our present-day culture and politics, forcing us to confront difficult questions about our values and priorities as a nation. However, we must also consider the historical context of such conflicts, as they often stem from the struggle over land and resources. This was particularly evident in the fight between settlers and Native Americans, which had profound and lasting consequences throughout American history. A fierce skirmish ensues in the depths of the historical tapestry, like a mad dance of chaos and order. Initially, with an iron fist, the despotic governor attempts to stifle the uprising. Still, like a feral beast, the English crown gradually begins to heed the resonating calls of Bacon and his motley crew. This ignites a tumultuous battle for supremacy, a fierce clash between the burgeoning colonies and the regal establishment, laying bare the roots of their longing for autonomy. This hunger would inevitably shape the annals of history.
Why the hell should any of us give a damn about Bacon's Rebellion these days, you might ask? Well, let me tell you something, pal. That Rebellion serves as a glaring reminder that social inequality and division have been deeply ingrained in the fabric of this so-called American dream right from the godforsaken start. And guess what? The fight over land and resources? It isn't over. It's still raging on like a damn wildfire, burning through the veins of this wretched nation. Amidst the tumultuous aftermath, a paradoxical dance unfolded amidst the swells and recessions of history's tide. The unyielding grip of oppression, undeterred by the Rebellion's fervor, tightened its grasp upon the shoulders of Native Americans, perpetuating their plight. And in an ironic twist, the very Rebellion that sought to liberate brought forth a hardened edifice, cementing the institution of slavery, leaving behind a legacy that wavers amidst the shadows of a better future, forever stained with the bittersweet hues of regret.
Let me tell you, Bacon's Rebellion was one hell of a historic moment, and it's got lasting significance even in today's world. It's like this epic clash, reminiscent of those high school days when the popular crowd targeted the nerds, but here, my friend, we're talking about a much grander scale. We're talking about a massive upheaval with much land-grabbing thrown into the mix. It's a story that echoes through the ages, a collision of power, oppression, and Rebellion that still resonates with us today.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
Work Cited:
Middlekauff, Robert. The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Morgan, Edmund S. American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia. W.W. Norton & Company, 1975.
Rountree, Helen C. The Powhatan Indians of Virginia: Their Traditional Culture. University of Oklahoma Press, 2005.
Sheler, Jeffery L., and Peter B. Levy. "Bacon's Rebellion." American history, vol. 34, no. 5, 1999, pp. 22-28.
The Rebellion lays bare the deep-seated problems in American society, namely the glaring economic and political inequalities between different social classes. Indeed, these issues continue to shape our present-day culture and politics, forcing us to confront difficult questions about our values and priorities as a nation. However, we must also consider the historical context of such conflicts, as they often stem from the struggle over land and resources. This was particularly evident in the fight between settlers and Native Americans, which had profound and lasting consequences throughout American history. A fierce skirmish ensues in the depths of the historical tapestry, like a mad dance of chaos and order. Initially, with an iron fist, the despotic governor attempts to stifle the uprising. Still, like a feral beast, the English crown gradually begins to heed the resonating calls of Bacon and his motley crew. This ignites a tumultuous battle for supremacy, a fierce clash between the burgeoning colonies and the regal establishment, laying bare the roots of their longing for autonomy. This hunger would inevitably shape the annals of history.
Why the hell should any of us give a damn about Bacon's Rebellion these days, you might ask? Well, let me tell you something, pal. That Rebellion serves as a glaring reminder that social inequality and division have been deeply ingrained in the fabric of this so-called American dream right from the godforsaken start. And guess what? The fight over land and resources? It isn't over. It's still raging on like a damn wildfire, burning through the veins of this wretched nation. Amidst the tumultuous aftermath, a paradoxical dance unfolded amidst the swells and recessions of history's tide. The unyielding grip of oppression, undeterred by the Rebellion's fervor, tightened its grasp upon the shoulders of Native Americans, perpetuating their plight. And in an ironic twist, the very Rebellion that sought to liberate brought forth a hardened edifice, cementing the institution of slavery, leaving behind a legacy that wavers amidst the shadows of a better future, forever stained with the bittersweet hues of regret.
Let me tell you, Bacon's Rebellion was one hell of a historic moment, and it's got lasting significance even in today's world. It's like this epic clash, reminiscent of those high school days when the popular crowd targeted the nerds, but here, my friend, we're talking about a much grander scale. We're talking about a massive upheaval with much land-grabbing thrown into the mix. It's a story that echoes through the ages, a collision of power, oppression, and Rebellion that still resonates with us today.
THE RUNDOWN
- In the year 1676, in colonial Virginia, there were many problems like Indian raids, high taxes, and limited opportunities for settlers.
- The wealthy planters had all the power and wealth, while the lower-class settlers were suffering.
- Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy man, led a rebellion against the establishment to fight for the rights of the lower-class settlers.
- The rebellion exposed the economic and political inequalities in American society.
- The conflict between settlers and Native Americans over land and resources played a significant role in the rebellion.
- The rebellion was a battle between the colonies and the royal establishment, and it shaped their desire for independence.
- Bacon's Rebellion is important because it shows that social inequality and division have been present in American society from the beginning.
- The fight for land and resources is still ongoing, and the rebellion's aftermath had both positive and negative consequences.
- The rebellion led to the establishment of slavery, which has had a lasting impact on American history.
- Bacon's Rebellion is a significant historical event that highlights the clash between power, oppression, and rebellion, and its lessons still resonate today.
QUESTIONS
- What critical socioeconomic and political factors led to Bacon's Rebellion in colonial Virginia?
- How did the rebellion highlight the deep-seated economic and political inequalities between different social classes in colonial America?
- In what ways did the conflict between the settlers and Native Americans contribute to the tensions leading up to Bacon's Rebellion?
Work Cited:
Middlekauff, Robert. The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Morgan, Edmund S. American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia. W.W. Norton & Company, 1975.
Rountree, Helen C. The Powhatan Indians of Virginia: Their Traditional Culture. University of Oklahoma Press, 2005.
Sheler, Jeffery L., and Peter B. Levy. "Bacon's Rebellion." American history, vol. 34, no. 5, 1999, pp. 22-28.

KEY TERMS
ASSIGNMENTS
Forum Discussion #4
- Jamestown
- Anne Hutchinson
- Piracy Part One
- Documented Slavery
- Beaver Wars
- King Phillip's War
- The Business of Slavery
- Bacon's Rebellion
- Colonial Gambling
- Birth of Sport
- Salem Witch Trials
- Prostitution Part One
- Virginia Slave Codes
- New York Slave Revolt
- Stono Rebellion
- Samuel Johnson
- The First Great Awakening
- Music Part 2
- Jonathan Edwards
- Early 18th Century Literature
- 18th Century Philosophy
- Piracy Part 2
ASSIGNMENTS
- Forum Discussion #4
- Quiz #1
Forum Discussion #4
SNL, short for Saturday Night Live, is an iconic late-night sketch comedy show entertaining audiences since 1975. Known for its diverse cast, celebrity guest hosts, and satirical sketches, SNL has become a cultural touchstone, offering a blend of humor, social commentary, and memorable live performances.
Sometimes when simplifying history for comedy, some of the minutiae is lost. Then answer the following question:
Sometimes when simplifying history for comedy, some of the minutiae is lost. Then answer the following question:
How does the satirical portrayal of historical events, such as the "Salem Witch Trials" skit on Saturday Night Live, help us reflect on the significance of those events and their impact on society?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
THE RUNDOWN
In the gritty realm of the Saturday Night Live stage, amidst the smoky haze of laughter, the skit "Salem Witch Trials" unfurled like a drunken waltz, a brazen dance mocking the historical turmoil that plagued Salem, Massachusetts. It captured the essence of those tumultuous days, distorting reality through a funhouse mirror. With exaggerated mannerisms, the accused witches, played by SNL's motley crew, unveiled their insanity with wild claims of devilish discourse and otherworldly powers. The judges, fumbling amidst the chaos, struggled to discern truth from the clamor, their wavering gavels lost in the carnival of chaos. Through darkened humor, this skit deftly exposed the absurdity and injustice that shadowed the Salem Witch Trials, casting a satirical light on the irrationality that once reigned supreme.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
THE RUNDOWN
In the gritty realm of the Saturday Night Live stage, amidst the smoky haze of laughter, the skit "Salem Witch Trials" unfurled like a drunken waltz, a brazen dance mocking the historical turmoil that plagued Salem, Massachusetts. It captured the essence of those tumultuous days, distorting reality through a funhouse mirror. With exaggerated mannerisms, the accused witches, played by SNL's motley crew, unveiled their insanity with wild claims of devilish discourse and otherworldly powers. The judges, fumbling amidst the chaos, struggled to discern truth from the clamor, their wavering gavels lost in the carnival of chaos. Through darkened humor, this skit deftly exposed the absurdity and injustice that shadowed the Salem Witch Trials, casting a satirical light on the irrationality that once reigned supreme.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
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