MTTC Social Studies 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Shay's Rebellion was a significant uprising that occurred in the United States in 1786-1787, primarily involving rural Massachusetts farmers led by Daniel Shays. The rebellion was chiefly a response to economic hardship, particularly high taxes that were imposed to pay off war debts following the American Revolution, and the harsh penalties, including foreclosures on farms, that were imposed as a result of the inability to pay these taxes. Many farmers were struggling to make ends meet, and as a result, they sought to protest against what they saw as unfair economic practices and government policies that disproportionately affected them.

The event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as the federal government was unable to intervene effectively to quell the rebellion. This unrest contributed to the subsequent Constitutional Convention as many leaders recognized the need for a stronger federal government to maintain order and address the concerns of the populace. The rebellion is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the drafting of the current United States Constitution due to its demonstration of the need for reform in governance and economic policy.