The question of Shays rebellion being rebels or freedom fighters is a highly debated topic in US history. Although some people may think that they were reckless rebels, nevertheless they were just trying to be heard, and they were freedom fighters with a good cause trying to keep what was theirs, because the government was giving them unlawful punishment if they couldn’t pay their taxes, the government wasted their money on vanity, and lastly the farmers fought back in big ways that may have seemed reckless, and rebel-like, but they were just trying to be heard.
After reading an excerpt from Daniel Gray’s verbalization, I accede that Shays “Rebellion” was a fight for liberation. First of all, one of the reasons the people decided to revolt is the money from taxes wasn’t used to pay off the peregrine debt. In document A, the text states, “Instead it is being used to pay off investments that are held by wealthy
8. Shay’s Rebellion- farmers in the central part of Massachusetts with the leader Daniel Shays seized the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts before the state militia put down the rebellion and executed several of the conspirators. Exposed the weakness of the American government under the old “articles of confederation” added urgency to the meeting in Philadelphia to replace articles with constitution. A bunch of farmers put a threat on government. See whiskey Rebellion 1794, the government was stronger with the constitution.
Shays’ Rebellion started in 1786, when thousands of farmers and men marched into courthouses and prevented them from continuing business.
A progression of tax revolts by Massachusetts ranchers against the Massachusetts law making body in 1786-1787. Shays' Rebellion, the post-Revolutionary conflict between New England ranchers and traders that tried the unsafe organizations of the new republic, debilitated to dive the divided states into a common war. The Rebellion emerged in Massachusetts in 1786, spread to different states, and finished in a failed assault on a government munitions stockpile. It slowed down in 1787 with the decision of a more well known representative, a financial rise, and the formation of the Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia.
Although not widely known, Shays’s Rebellion greatly impacted the debate on sovereignty and led many to conclude that the only possible solution was the centralization of power in a national authority. Historian John Garraty notes, “The lessons became plain: Liberty must not become an excuse for license; and therefore greater authority must be vested in the central government.”[1] While this effect was not the “rebels’” intended goal, Shays’s Rebellion helped shape the construction of the U.S. Constitution and the American political thought that has since followed. An analysis of both the causes and effects of Shays’s Rebellion highlights its contribution to the
The action by the rebels in Shay’s Rebellion of stopping the judges from going into court was against law. The soldiers in the militia didn’t follow the law. The whole rebellion was against the law too. Eventually, the rebels in the Shay’s Rebellion were defeated. This was a warning for the people, reminding them do not have the thought of rebelling, or you will get defeated and maybe sentenced to death. During the Whiskey Rebellion, the farmers were angry about the whiskey tax policy, so they rebelled. Washington reacted by sending a trop of 13000 men to Pennsylvania and crashing down the revolt. It gave a warning to the people, that they should follow the law, but not ignored it or resisted against it. If they don’t, they would need to face the consequences of their action, such as a gigantic trop of 13000
In 1786, Shay’s Rebellion had sparked due to the national governments policies that resulted from the post-war economic depression. Again, the national government failed to handle the situation effectively due to its lack of abilities. Fortunately, a group of merchants from Massachusetts was able to raise an army to put down the
There were many rebellions in the United States history, some peaceful and some violent. Shays' Rebellion in 1786 and the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 are examples of two brutal rebellions that led to death of many innocent people. Rebellions can develop due to many conditions including unfair laws, unfair treatment, and a disagreement over a sensitive topic. The Shays' Rebellion showed the Articles of Confederation was too weak, while the Whiskey Rebellion proved the Constitution to be a strong framework of government.
In one of his letters to George Washington he writes, “... Our affairs seem to lead to some crisis,some revolution” (Doc G). Shays Rebellion was one of the major events that helped the government realized that they needed to come up with a new constitution. Through Shays rebellion, it was revealed that the government lacked the power of leadership. It took about two years for the rebellion to end, this helped further the idea of a new constitution. With a lack of a strong central leadership, it was hard to pass any sort of amendment among the states, including the ratification of the constitution.
The Federalist were aware of the people’s fears, but they were just hungry for a strong central government. The danger of a strong central government is a threat to the state governments, and is a threat against citizens own rights. During the 1780’s to 1790’s the U.S. was still in a trial and error period. These were the building years of the U.S. government.
The supporters of Shays’ Rebellion were doing what was right and letting the government know that they didn’t like the immensely high taxes that were in place. They fought for their rights, were illegitimately jailed, and the law enforcement misused their authority. Even if the odds were against them, the farmers still took action and protested. These signs of bravery and courage show that the protesters were not rebels, but freedom
Shay’s rebellion was led by a man named Daniel Shay in 1787. This was an historic event that shaped history in its own way. This uprising began in Massachusetts in the year of 1786. Daniel shay was characterized and labeled as a rebel, traitor, and a coward. He was also considered a devoted nationalist and a decent military officer supporting America’s revolution. He dedicated over five years of his life in service of America`s government. He mobilized everyone who disagreed with his government’s actions during the time. Shay was able to lead a militia of over 2000 men. The militia was armed and willing and ready to burn down Boston. According to miller (71), Jefferson heard of the rebellion while in France but felt that it would not last long.
Interpretations of, and opinion on, Shay’s rebellion by political figures of the day often conflicted. In a letter to Senator William S. Smith Thomas Jefferson praised the spirit of the rebels claiming their motives were founded “in ignorance, not wickedness” and
Shay’s Rebellion was a movement where farmers created an army to try and stop the court from taking their land and leaving them in debt. This rebellion ended in the people deciding they wanted to form a new, stronger government. This stronger government would be capable of controlling the states whenever they threatened commercial property. Since the whole union formed together to help and support the farmers, this put a toll on Congress. Since Shay’s Rebellion occurred, the government has been much stronger and easier to work
I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing”(Jefferson). This states that rebellions are good for keeping the government honest and strengthens the government by fixing its weaknesses. Jefferson acknowledges that rebellions are natural and necessary for a government. Finally Daniel Shays’ letter to General Lincoln provides clear evidence that Shays’ did not want to overthrow the government but to simply help it. Shays’ states, “ Every Person who has been acting or any way Aiding or Assisting in any of the Late Risings of the People May be Indemnified in their Persons and Properties untill the Seting of the Next General Court takes place; and no Person Be taken, Molested, or Injured, on Account of the above Sd Risings of the People untill