What were the reasons for the revolts and rebellions that occurred in the American colonies?

While it is somewhat popular to believe that the Thirteen Colonies were economically and politically unified, nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout the colonies, differing political and economic goals often led to conflict.  Even within each individual colony, a strict social stratification was taking place.  An elite class was emerging that was quickly becoming politically powerful and economically advantaged.  It is the emergence of this aristocratic class that led to several rebellions throughout...

While it is somewhat popular to believe that the Thirteen Colonies were economically and politically unified, nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout the colonies, differing political and economic goals often led to conflict.  Even within each individual colony, a strict social stratification was taking place.  An elite class was emerging that was quickly becoming politically powerful and economically advantaged.  It is the emergence of this aristocratic class that led to several rebellions throughout colonial history.  The most famous of the rebellions was led by Nathaniel Bacon in Virginia in 1676.  Disheartened by the lack of opportunity afforded to middling planters, and angered by the governors lack of interest in defending the frontier against Indian attacks, Bacon led a rebellion. Bacon and thousands of disgruntled farmers led a revolt against Governor Berkeley and burned the capital.  This is one of several examples of social unrest within the colonies themselves.