Shay's Rebellion

Period

1786-1787

Location

Massachusetts

Result

Rebellion crushed, and problems of Federal authority linked to the Articles of Confederation spur U.S. Constitutional Convention

What is Shay's Rebellion

Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts during 1786 and 1787. Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays led four thousand rebels in an uprising against perceived economic and civil rights injustices.

Key Points

-The Revolutionary War left American States in massive debt. -In the summer of 1786 thousands of Shay's followers prevented tax collection and used force to keep debtors out of jail -Wealthy Boston merchants raised an army of 4,00 men to take on Shay and his men -The people of Boston took their army and overwhelmed Shay and his men -Shay's rebellion highlighted what was wrong with the Articles of Confederation and showed that we needed a new constitution