“R” is for Revolution of 1719. A popular, almost bloodless coup, the Revolution of 1719 ended proprietary rule in South Carolina. Proprietary governor Robert Johnson was deposed and James Moore, Jr., a respected landowner and war hero was proclaimed governor, setting the stage for South Carolina’s transformation into a British royal colony. The Lords Proprietors of Carolina intended for their colony to be a money-making proposition. When they failed to see any return on their investment, their overbearing leadership turned to outright neglect. Their failure to assist South Carolina during the devastating Yamassee War and against pirates provided colonists with galling evidence that the men in London had place personal profit above public safety. Interference with land-holding policies and the vetoing of key legislation brought the province to confrontation with the proprietary regime—and the Revolution of 1719.
“R” is for Revolution of 1719
