Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What did Bacon's Rebellion signify about colonial attitudes towards governance?

1. Acceptance of royal authority

2. Desire for more autonomy and self-governance

3. Support for British imperial policies

4. Unity among different colonial groups

The correct answer is: Desire for more autonomy and self-governance

Bacon's Rebellion, which took place in 1676 in Virginia, serves as a significant indicator of the colonial desire for more autonomy and self-governance. The rebellion was led by Nathaniel Bacon and involved a group of colonists who were frustrated with the colonial government's inability to protect them from Native American attacks and address their grievances regarding land and political representation. Bacon and his followers sought greater control over land acquisition and political power, challenging the legitimacy of the colonial elite and Governor William Berkeley's administration. This uprising highlighted a growing discontent among the colonists who felt marginalized and wanted a government that reflected their needs rather than those of the wealthy planters and the colonial elite. The rebellion ultimately led to a shift in governance in Virginia, as it forced the colonial leadership to reconsider their policies and the distribution of power while illustrating the colonists' attitudes towards a more participatory form of governance. The other options do not accurately represent the sentiments that fueled Bacon's Rebellion. The acceptance of royal authority does not align with the attitude expressed by the rebellion’s participants, who were directly challenging that authority. Support for British imperial policies was contrary to the rebellion's intentions, as the participants sought to break away from what they viewed as ineffective oversight. Lastly