When did the racial division begin? A quick look back to see where American Racism began to evolve.

By. Nisie Jimenez

At the start of the original 13 colonies, Black slaves and White indentured servants lived and worked together without much prejudice. But, after elitist Virginian planters discovered the division of these two groups could be integral to keep their place in power- a change began to happen. By the mid 17th Centaury, colonizers will see a dramatic transition within the social and human status. A rebellion disguised as a fight for the freedom of slaves and indentured servants would be the start of it all. 

    Jamestown Virginia was the first American colony, and by the 17th Century, Virginia had finally begun to develop into a functioning community. Planters had found significant success in the farmland despite the swampy terrain. John Rolfe, one of the First Virginian settlers, had set the course for victory when he introduced the Tabaco Crop. By 1630 over a million and a half pounds of tobacco is exported every year. 

Governor William Berkeley was barring his breast after refusing Nathaniel Bacon a commission, during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676. Engraving captioned “A Fair Mark – Shoot!” A school history of the United States (1895) by Susan Pendleton Lee

However, it was not all good news. The nearby Native Tribes were not happy with the continuous expansion of the Virginia Colony; this kept Jamestown on high alert. By 1675 a privileged Englishman named Nathanial Bacon, who had recently settled in Virginia’s backcountry, wanted to expand his land and was fed up with the constant threat. Bacon was ready to attack the neighboring native tribes, including the nonviolent Occaneechees tribe. William Berkley, the Governor of Virginia, did not have the same confident approach. He was quite frightened of the Natives and feared that the tribes would come together against the Virginia Colony, and an all-out war would ensue. So, when Bacon requested the commission to lead an attack on the Natives, Governor adamantly declined.

Bacon decided to go rogue and continue with his mission anyway. He first entrusted the peaceful Occaneechees with the task of capturing the invading native tribe. And, the tribe did just that. With their mission complete, the friendly natives handed over their captives to Nathanial Bacon, who immediately killed his enemies. Bacon then thanked the now allied Occaneechees tribe by ordering his men to murder them as well. Bacon considered this a great feat. He had made his point by attacking both tribes. Aware that he was wanted back home in Virginia for treason, he prepared for his arrest by bringing 50 men back. Bacon was subsequently arrested upon his return and found guilty of treason. But his elitist privilege saved him from the death penalty, and he was free to go. Nathanial Bacon was not going to give up and decided a rebellion against the Governor was the only answer. Tensions between Governor Berkley and William Bacon began to rise as both sides started to campaign for volunteers. These volunteers were black slaves and white indentured servants; they were ready for a rebellion.

Sources:

• Tracing memory: A Glossary of Graphic Signs and Symbols in African Art and Culture, by Clementine M. Fiak-Nzuhi, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/credits.html\

•  Bacon’s Rebellion 1676 by Thomas J. Wertenbaker