The Massacre of 1644 | America Before the Revolution

In this immersive episode of Why Wars Happened, journey to 17th-century Virginia, where an unpopular governor was cast out and replaced by the young and determined Sir William Berkeley. Called back from England’s civil war, Berkeley returned to lead campaigns after a devastating 1644 massacre, earning fame as a hero while balancing the colony’s loyalty to the crown.

But crisis soon turned to defiance. As Parliament challenged royal power, Virginians refused to bend, standing firmly with their king—even as rebellion brewed beneath the surface.

This is a story of blood, loyalty, and defiance, told with immersive off-camera narration and calming visuals that draw you into the world of early America.

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💬 Comment below: Would you have stayed loyal—or risen against Parliament?

🕰️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Recap

00:16 – The Overthrow of Governor Harvey

00:36 – The Rise of William Berkeley

02:53 – Berkeley’s Early Life and Loyalty

03:50 – Berkeley’s Reforms and Rule

12:00 – The 1644 Massacre and Berkeley’s Return

15:31 – Loyalty to the King in War

18:08 – Defiance Against Parliament

20:00 – Closing + Next Episode Teaser

#ColonialAmerica #GovernorBerkeley #AmericanRevolution #virginiahistory #HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened