They say: Bacon's Rebellion

When it comes to the topic of Bacon's Rebellion, most of us will readily agree that the Natives were very mistreated by the English colonists. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of, who was the rebellion ultimately suppose to effect? Where as some are convinced that the rebellion was towards Berkley, his supporters, and the colonist's council. Others maintain that the rebellion was against the Natives. Howard Zinn and Rebecca Stefoff stated that, Bacon's Rebellion was a war with the poor white colonists agasint both the indians as well as the colonist's own leaders (p35). "Bacon accused Berkely and the government of wrong doing, including unfair taxes and not protecting the western farmers from the Indians" (p38). That caused alot of the poor white colonist to get very upset with the council, and they end up taking out their anger on the Indians. The Indians were forced to be slaves and servants, where beating were normal and the women were raped. Even the Indians who had peace treaties with the colonists were betrayed. As time went on the rich got even richer, and the slaves were getting more and more mistreated. According to Michael J. Puglisi, "When the war broke out, some military leaders suggested fortifying the Praying Towns as a wall of defence for the colony"(p79). This is evidence that the colonist were using the indians and betraying their peace. The Indians never did anything wrong or harmful to the english colonist, there was no reason for the horrible treatment that they recieved. Summerizing these documents I read, they all explain the rebellion and how the english government was being unfair, and taking advantage of the colonists. Then causing the colonist to get very angry and take out their frustrations on the Indians.