From the beginning of colonization, Americans believed they were British citizens and their rights followed the flag. The House of Burgesses was the first colonial assembly formed in 1619, just twelve years after Jamestown was founded. Even voting, having a voice, was at the core of the Mayflower Compact. The Puritans had fled England but they were still determined to essentially copy a similar form of local government.
Before the Declaration of Independence colonists struggled with British rule. As a punitive measure, the crown refused the right to vote to colonists. In the mid 1600s, William Berkeley, the Governor of the Colony of Virginia, refused to allow elections for more than a decade. The tension over lack of representation between the colonists and the Governor resulted in what is now known as the Bacon Rebellion of 1676. There was a constant tug of war throughout the colonial era between representatives of the crown and the people who demanded a legislature in order to feel represented. Of course, only land-owning white males had the right to vote at this time.
This timeline is intended to provide historical context along with supportive media to illustrate a history of voting rights in the United States. Media links, images, and bibliography are provided independently of the timeline. Should you want to share the timeline a PowerPoint version is available for download on the media page. We at the Walter W. Stiern library hope that you find this exhibit engaging as well as informative. Questions or comments regarding the exhibit can be sent to the Outreach and User Engagement Librarian.
