During the period of the Roundhead Parliament under Oliver Cromwell, no new governors were sent to the Virginia colony.  The people elected their own government and exercised rights of universal suffrage. They became accustomed to having equality as British subjects and enjoyed self-government. After the Restoration, King Charles II sent Lord Berkley to Virginia to restore the authority of the throne. Berkley was a tyrant and imposed harsh taxes and restrictions on commerce.  Self-government was abolished.  The people were aroused by the deprivation of their liberty, and in 1676 they rallied behind Nathaniel Bacon to overthrow the oppressive Berkley regime.  This time to prevent Berkley's return, the burned Jamestown to the ground. The colonist enjoyed liberty for a short period under Bacon's leadership, but the man was taken ill and died.  The colonist could find no one to replace him and Berkley once again regained control. He instituted vengeful reprisals against the rebels, hanging 22 of their leaders.  King Charles recalled Berkley and replaced him with Lord Culpepper, who was as venal as Berkley.  King Charles recalled Culpepper and declared Virginia a royal province.


Nathaniel Bacon ( 1647 - 1676 ) was a Virginia  colonial reformer and soldier who led " Bacon's Rebellion " in 1676.  Dissatisfied with Governor Sir William Berkley's failure to protect the border population against Indian raids, Bacon led a successful expedition against them without the Governor's authorization.  The Governor condemned the action and subsequent negotiations with Bacon, whose aim for reform of the colonial system of law, failed to bring a peaceful settlement.