Shays’ Rebellion

What Was It?

Shays’ Rebellion was a protest by farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787. After the Revolutionary War, many farmers were poor and in debt. The state government began taking their land and possessions when they could not pay their taxes and debts. The farmers felt this was unfair and decided to fight back.

Why Did It Happen?

• Debt and Taxes: After the war, there was very little money. The state government demanded that people pay their taxes and debts with gold and silver coins, which were hard to find.
• Farmers Losing Land: When farmers could not pay, the courts would take away their farms and sometimes put them in jail.
• Unfair Treatment: Many of the farmers were veterans of the Revolutionary War. They had fought for freedom but felt the new government was treating them like the British had.

What Did the Protesters Do?

The protesters, sometimes called Shaysites, began by using peaceful methods. When that did not work, they used force.

1. Shutting Down Courts: Large groups of farmers, led by former soldier Daniel Shays and others, began stopping the courts from meeting. This prevented the judges from taking people’s property.
2. March on the Arsenal: In January 1787, Shays and his followers planned to attack the Springfield Armory, a federal building thousands of weapons. They wanted to use the guns to overthrow the state government.
3. The Attack Fails: The state militia was waiting for them. The militia fired cannons at the farmers, killing four and wounding twenty. The rebel force was scattered and forced to flee.

How Did It End?

The state government created a private army to stop the rebellion. The private army did a surprise attack on the remaining Shaysites, which ended the rebellion.

After the fighting:

• Many protesters, including Shays, were pardoned.
• Two were hanged

What Result?

• State Politics: The governor who cracked down on the rebels, James Bowdoin, lost the next election. The new government later lowered taxes.
• A Stronger National Government: The rebellion showed the leaders of America that the national government, under the Articles of Confederation, was too weak. It could not help stop the rebellion.
• The U.S. Constitution: This weakness convinced many people that the country needed a new, stronger plan for government. Shays’ Rebellion is often cited as a key reason why the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787, which created the U.S. Constitution that exists today.