They Say; Bacon's Rebellion.

In discussions of Bacon's Rebellion, a controversial issue is whether Nathaniel Bacon was justified in his brutal actions against wealthy white settlers and the Native Americans. While some people argue that this rebellion was necessary such as the majority of the colonists in Virginia. According to Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stefoff in A Young Peoples History of the United States, "He [Bacon] probably cared more about fighting Indians than about helping the poor. Still, the common people of Virginia felt that he was on their side." (page 37) Zinn and Stefoff's point is that during the 17th century there were many hardships in the colonies, but there was not really anyone trying to change that. Then came Bacon, he proposed what he wanted to do to the public to help the colonists of Virginia out. Of course the population sided with him, it was the only time they had a leader that was trying to make a difference. However, it may have not been the best choice but in the same respect it could have been the best choice.

To support the viewpoint of Howard Zinn and Michael J. Puglisi states in Whether They be Friends or Foes, "The frontier colonists were apparently dissatisfied with government efforts to protect their new settlements." (page 77) Basically Puglisi is saying almost the same thing as Zinn and Stefoff, they are explaining that the one reason Bacon was followed was because the government was doing nothing about the slaves. The followers might not have even agreed with Bacon, but followed him because he was doing something to help them. Puglisi also writes that, "He [Bacon] claimed that by organizing the unauthorized campaign against the encroaching Indians he was providing a release for the colonists' frustrations..." (page 77)

There really is no way to prove that Bacon was right or wrong in his actions, it is all open to viewpoints of historians and writers. This is because each side has facts supporting them. Another factor in deciding if Bacon was justified in his actions or not is the fact that this happened in 1676, that is nearly 400 years ago. People back then definitely thought differently than we do today. For them, certain things were allowed to be done or said, but now in the present, we may think of those things as barbaric or totally unnecessary. Puglisi, Stefoff and Zinn were only three of the millions of people who have viewpoints on this rebellion and each of their views are unique to them.