What event led to intense social class tensions in Virginia during the late 17th century?

C. Bacon's Rebellion is the correct answer because it marked a significant turning point in Virginia's socio-political landscape, illustrating the sharp divisions between social classes. In 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led a group of colonists in revolt against Governor William Berkeley's administration, which was perceived as corrupt and favorable to the wealthy planter class. Bacon's followers, many of whom were lower-class settlers and indentured servants seeking more land and opportunities, believed that the government's failure to protect them from Native American attacks justified their rebellion.

The conflict highlighted the growing discontent among the lower classes, who felt marginalized by the ruling elite. In the aftermath of the rebellion, the colonial government shifted policies to reduce tensions between the classes. This included a transition from reliance on indentured servants to a system of African slavery, which created a racial divide that helped to quell potential alliances between poor whites and enslaved blacks. This change in labor dynamics further entrenched social hierarchies and altered the class structure in Virginia, making Bacon's Rebellion a pivotal moment in the history of class relations in early America.