American Slavery, American Freedom: The Ordeal of Colonial Virginia

Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 was a key event in Virginia’s early years. What caused the rebellion? What was its outcome? What were its lasting effects on the Virginia colony?

Why were the writings of Richard Hakluyt, particularly the second edition of The Principal Navigations of the English Nation published in 1600, so critical to when and how the English settled Virginia in 1585 and in 1607?

Tobacco became the lifeblood of the colony in its early years. What main factors contributed to increased tobacco growth and export?

Governors were crucial to the success of the colony after 1624. Discuss the role of the governor, paying particular attention to Governor Berkeley’s successes and failures in either of his terms.

How did the Navigation Acts of 1651 affect Virginia’s economic and political development?

Virginia’s death rate affected the colony’s social structure, especially women and children. Discuss the death rate, including its causes and its effects on the colony’s survivors.

Morgan argues that the conditions for Virginia’s transition from servants to slaves were set by the end of the 17th century. What were those conditions? What are the strengths and weaknesses of Morgan’s argument?

Racism in some form can be seen in Virginia’s development. How did the colony’s planters use racist sentiments to ensure that slavery would take hold and that freedmen would support the conversion to slavery?