Nathaniel Bacon, a planter from Virginia, played a pivotal role in a rebellion against the colonial government in 1676, motivated by perceived injustices faced by frontier settlers. Many in the colony were frustrated with Governor William Berkeley's policies that seemed to favor the interests of the wealthy elite and his failure to address the settlers’ concerns over Native American attacks on frontier farms. The situation escalated as Bacon rallied a group of disgruntled individuals, who were driven by economic privations and racial tensions, to challenge the authority of Berkeley. After a series of violent encounters, Bacon and his followers marched on Jamestown, the colonial capital.

The burning of Jamestown was the climax of the rebellion. Bacon's forces set fire to the town as a demonstration against the government and its lack of support for the settlers. This act was simplified by the broader conflict within Virginia society, where the lines between social classes and interests became increasingly stark. The rebellion gained significant momentum; however, internal divisions among the rebels and a lack of unified leadership led to its downfall. Following Bacon's death from dysentery, the rebellion lost momentum, and ultimately Bacon’s supporters were scattered by government forces loyal to Berkeley.

The aftereffects of the rebellion were significant for Virginia's colonial government. Although it failed to achieve its goals, Bacon's Rebellion showcased the undeniable tensions brewing within the colony, specifically the rift between the elite and frontier settlers. In response to the rebellion, Governor Berkeley's administration sought to reconcile with these settlers by enacting policies that included more lenient Native American relations. Furthermore, the event highlighted the growing resistance against colonial rule and foreshadowed future conflicts, contributing to the changing landscape of authority and governance in the colony.