Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Bacon's Rebellion primarily arose from discontent with the governor's policies, particularly those of Governor William Berkeley. Berkley’s administration was perceived as corrupt and favoring the wealthy planter class. Many frontier settlers were frustrated by the lack of support from the government in their struggles against Native American tribes, as Berkeley prioritized trade relations with the tribes over the safety of colonists living on the frontier. The rebellion reflected broader social and economic tensions in colonial Virginia, highlighting issues of class struggle, access to land, and governmental authority that contributed to the uprising led by Nathaniel Bacon. This discontent was compounded by resentment towards strict regulations that limited westward expansion and the inability of the government to protect settlers from Native American attacks, ultimately sparking the uprising.