Shays' Rebellion

Arsenal

Where weapons were stored

When did the actual rebellion take place?

In January 1787, Shays and about 1,200 farmers headed to a state arsenal, intending to seize weapons before marching on Boston.

What caused the small battle between Shays' army and the Governor's army in January 1787?

In September, the rebels forced the state supreme court in the town of Springfield to close. Shays's forces returned to Springfield the next month, hoping to capture a federal weapons storehouse, but were defeated by the Governors army.

What did the farmers do as a result of the raised taxes?

In late August 1786, farmers in western Massachusetts rebelled by closing down several county courthouses to prevent farm foreclosures, and they also marched on the state supreme court.

What did the Governor do in response to the farmers intentions?

In response, the governor sent more than 4,000 volunteers under the command of General Benjamin Lincoln to defend the Arsenal

How did the people begin to feel as a result of Shays' Rebellion?

People with greater income and social status tended to see the rebellion, as well as inflation and an unstable currency, as signs that the republic itself was at risk. They feared that as state legislatures became more democratic and responsive to poor people, they would weaken property rights and vote to take more property from the wealthy

How did Shays' Rebellion start?

Shays' Rebellion started when the government of Massachusetts decided to raise taxes instead of issuing paper money to pay off it's debts.

What was done to try and change the Articles?

The Annapolis delegates called on all 13 states to send delegates to a Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia, in May 1787. They hoped this Convention would improve the national government. They wanted to make "the constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies (needs) of the Union.

why did the rebels close down county courthouses?

Because with the courts shut down, no one's properties could be taken

What happened before the governor and the volunteers arrived at the arsenal?

Before they arrived, Shays attacked, and the militia defending the arsenal opened fire. Four farmers died in the fighting. The next day, Lincoln's troops arrived an ended the rebellion.

Who was the rebellion leader?

Daniel Shays

How did George Washington feel about Shays' Rebellion?

George Washington was extremely embarrassed with the United States as he exclaims, "I am mortified (embarrassed) beyond expression. He feared that the United States mus look "ridiculous...in the eyes of all Europe."

Where did Shays' Rebellion Start?

Massachusetts, 1787

Who did the taxes particularly fall the most on?

The taxes fell most heavily on farmers, particularly poor farmers in the western part of the state. As the recession grew worse, many found it impossible to pay their taxes as well as their mortgages and debts.