Rothermel, Peter F. "Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses." 1851. Oil on canvas, Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial, accession number 76.5.1. Collection of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation. Created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Inscribed with "P. F. Rothermel 1851." Exhibition history includes U.S. Capitol Rotunda in May 1852, Northwestern Sanitary Fair in March–June 1865, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1912 to 1956, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from 1959 to 1976, and currently displayed at Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial. Referenced in the Smithsonian Art Inventory Catalog, IAP 61502828.
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The House of Burgesses:
The Birth of American Democracy
In the early 17th century, English settlers arrived in North America seeking new opportunities and a chance for a better life. One of the first successful English colonies was Jamestown, established in 1607 in what is now Virginia. As the colony grew, the need for a system of government became evident, leading to the creation of the House of Burgesses, which played a crucial role in shaping the future of America. Another reason the colony need a government was because of their long distance from England.
The House of Burgesses, established in 1619, was the first representative assembly in the American colonies. It consisted of elected representatives, known as burgesses, who were chosen by the male property owners of Virginia. This marked a significant departure from the traditional English system, where only the king and his appointed officials had the power to make laws.
The purpose of the House of Burgesses was to give the colonists a voice in their own governance and to address the needs and concerns of the growing population. Its primary function was to make laws and regulations that would benefit the colony as a whole. The burgesses debated and voted on various issues, such as taxation, trade, and public safety. This democratic process allowed the colonists to participate in the decision-making process and have a say in the policies that affected their lives.
The House of Burgesses also served as a stepping stone towards a more democratic society. It provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of political skills among the colonists. Through their participation in this representative assembly, the colonists gained experience in self-governance and learned the importance of compromise and negotiation.
One of the significant achievements of the House of Burgesses was the passing of the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776. This document, which influenced the later drafting of the United States Constitution, outlined the fundamental rights and principles of government that all citizens should enjoy. It emphasized the concepts of individual liberty, equality, and the separation of powers.
The House of Burgesses played a crucial role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. It provided a platform for colonial leaders, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, to voice their grievances against British rule and advocate for independence. The experience gained from participating in the House of Burgesses empowered these leaders to take on greater roles in the fight for American freedom.
In conclusion, the House of Burgesses was a pivotal institution in the early days of American colonization. It provided a model for representative government and allowed the colonists to have a say in their own governance. Through its democratic practices, the House of Burgesses laid the foundation for the birth of American democracy. Its legacy can be seen in the principles and values that continue to shape our nation today.
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