Are There Any Examples of Failed Revolutionary Initiatives/Regional Uprisings in Colonial America?

by slow70
XIMADUDE

Yes. The well known Bacon's Rebellion of 1676 in Virginia colony. Nathaniel Bacon, a relative of Sir Francis Bacon was a 28 year old who was head strong and shipped to the colony from England by his family. He was from the planter class who wanted to fight the Indians and rid the colony of them. The indians were involved in frontier raids and had caused property damage to his plantation. He famously asked 'How can you tell a good Indian from a Bad Indian?" Royal Governor Berkeley had different opinions and needed to maintain peace with some Indians to support trade. Bacon eventually led an uprising against Berkeley and even burned Jamestown. He made strong reforms in the government including passing sufferage to all men. He expanded the rebellion into Maryland and Albermarle (North Carolina) He also wanted to break from the Engish crown due to their trade restrictions from the Navigation Acts, as well, which caused some problems with his followers. He died of dysentery within a year and the rebellion was crushed with many people hanged by Berkeley. The crown then intervened and pardoned the rebels after recalling Berkeley back to England. The myth of James II telling people that 'That old fool [Berkeley] hanged more men that I did for the murder of my father' was soon started.

Conceived in Liberty has a wonderful chapter about this event in colonial history. Here is the audiobook chapter covering Bacon's Rebellion.