Question

declaration of nathaniel bacon in the name of the people of virginia
\for having, when the army of english was just upon the track of those
indians, who now in all places burn, spoil, murder and when we might
with ease have destroyed them who then were in open hostility, for then
having expressly countermanded and sent back our army by passing his
word for the peaceable demeanor of the said indians, who immediately
prosecuted their evil intentions, committing horrid murders and
robberies in all places, being protected by the said engagement and word
past of him the said sir william berkeley, having ruined and laid desolate
a great part of his majesty’s country, and have now drawn themselves
into such obscure and remote places and are by their success so
emboldened and confirmed by their confederacy so strengthened that
the cries of blood are in all places, and the terror and consternation of
the people so great, are now become not only difficult but a very
formidable enemy who might at first with ease have been destroyed.\
\declaration of nathaniel bacon in the name of the people of virginia, july 30, 1676.\
massachusetts historical society collections, 4th ser., 1871, vol. 9, 184–87.
which of the following groups most strongly supported the sentiments in the
excerpt above?
elimination tool
select one answer
a mechanics and merchants who lived along the virginia coast.
b the governing body and leaders of jamestown at the time.
c small landholders who lived on the virginia frontier.
d indentured servants and enslaved people in virginia.

Explanation:

The excerpt is from Bacon's Rebellion, where Nathaniel Bacon and his followers (mostly small landholders on the Virginia frontier) were angry at Governor Berkeley's lenient policy toward Native Americans who were attacking frontier settlements. Mechanics/merchants on the coast (A) were more aligned with Berkeley's interests. The governing body (B) was led by Berkeley, who opposed Bacon. Indentured servants and enslaved people (D) were not the main supporters of Bacon's Rebellion; it was primarily small frontier landholders seeking protection from Native American raids and political representation. So small landholders on the frontier (C) most strongly supported these sentiments.

Answer:

C. Small landholders who lived on the Virginia frontier.