Name:
Date:
Period:
Shays’ Rebellion
Shays’ Rebellion was a revolt in western Massachusetts that convinced many Americans that life
under the Articles of Confederation had become dangerously unstable. The rebellion was led by
Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Revolutionary army who had served with honor and distinction.
He had worked his way up to the rank of captain and had even received a sword from the well-known
Marquis de Lafayette.
He led a group of about 2000 disgruntled farmers who, armed with pitchforks and the like, marched
on courthouses because they were losing their farms. They were owed money for military service and
had been assured that, if they served in the war, they would not lose their land for unpaid taxes and
debts that mounted during the conflict with Great Britain.
The rebel never imagined that their actions would lead to charges of treason against the republic. In
fact, they naturally appealed to the republican principles they had fought for in 1776. "I earnestly
stepped forth in defense of this country, and liberty is still the object I have in view," a rebel leader
wrote to the public.
Eastern political leaders, on the other hand, believed that the gains of the Revolution were being
undone. Others warned that any interference with the legal system would "frustate the great end of
government -- the security of life, liberty and property."
The critical battle of the rebellion was Shays' attack on the government arsenal at Springfield,
Massachusetts in January 1787. At the arsenal, the defending militia commanded by General William
Shepard unexpectedly fired their cannons into the ranks of the advancing rebels, killing four and
wounding 20.
Crying "murder" -- for the insurgent farmer-veterans never supposed their neighbors and fellow
veterans would fire on them -- the Shays men retreated in disarray, pursued by government soldiers.
Shays' Rebellion was over. A special court prosecuted more than 200 rebels. In April 1787, five of
Shays men charged with treason were condemned to hang. Daniel Shay fled to Vermont.
Shays' Rebellion had a generally unifying effect upon the supporters of a stronger national
government, and it was a lesson frequently invoked on the floor of the Federal Convention during the
summer of 1787.
For George Washington, who gave the insurrection as a reason for his own attendance at the
Philadelphia convention, "there could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our
governments than these disorders."
1. What was Shays’ Rebellion? Why did it occur?
2. Why did many feel that Shays’ Rebellion was a sign that our federal government was too
weak? (Hint: Think was caused the Rebellion. Think what the militia was forced to do)