Nathaniel Bacon was a young lawyer who had emigrated from London to become a planter in Virginia. The Virginia colony at that time was badly misgoverned by Sir William Berkeley. In addition, the Indians regularly attacked outlying plantations. When no official measures were taken to stop the Indian outrages, Bacon organized his neighbors and punished the guilty tribes.

The movement broadened into a rebellion of the democratic element among the colonists against the aristocratic clique who supported the governor. In the course of the conflict Bacon burned Jamestown, and the governor took refuge on an English ship.

Soon after this Bacon died suddenly and the rebellion collapsed. Governor Berkeley hanged more than 20 of his foes. King Charles II was emphatic in his disapproval of Berkeley. The affair created a great stir in London and brought more attention to the needs and wishes of the colonists.