What Is a List of Grievances?
A list of grievances details actual or perceived circumstances that generate feelings of indignation or resentment because a person or group feels they are being unjustly treated. A famous example of grievances were those stated in the Declaration of Independence from the 13 American colonies to the King of England.
In another famous case of grievances, Nathanial Bacon in 1676 issued a list of grievances to Governor Sir William Berkeley. Bacon felt Berkeley imposed unjust taxes, neglected trade opportunities, advanced unqualified candidates into powerful positions and failed to protect the Virginia colony from Indian attacks. Bacon blamed Berkeley’s leniency towards the natives for open hostilities that included burning and murder. After an investigative report was sent to King Charles II, Berkeley was stripped of his governorship, but not before Bacon died of dysentery.
