Shay's Rebellion was the result of discontent among the farmers of Western Massachusetts. They were unhappy about many aspects of the government, both the Articles of Confederation and the Massachusetts State Legislature. Due to the economic instability of the war and following years, and also due to the lack of a standard currency, many of the farmers were unable to pay their debts. Angered at the hardships they were enduring, they first petitioned for reform. When they were turned down, a large group of farmers, led by an officer from the Revolution, Captain Daniel Shays, massed outside the Northampton Court to stop it from meeting. The uprising then spread to other debtors, who went on to hinder the courts at Worcester, Concord, Taunton, and Great Barrington. A group of rebels tried to deter the Supreme Court at Springfield, but were held back by General Benjamin Lincoln with a force of 4,400, compared to the 1,500 usurpers. The farmers, this time numbering 2,000, were again beaten when they marched on the arsenal at Springfield. After this last routing, by a force of 1,200 militiamen led by General William Shephard, the rebellion dissolved, and all but 14 dispersed with negligible, if any, punishment. The remaining 14 were sentenced to death, although only 2 of these sentences were actually carried out, the other 12, including Shay, were pardoned by the new governor, John Hancock. .
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Causes .
Unstable economy after war.
No standard currency under Articles of Confederation.
Felt that taxes were too high.
Felt that the Courts and Legislature favored high class.
Effects.
Brought attention to weaknesses in the Articles.
Brought upon legislative and judicial reform in Massachusetts.
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Shay's Rebellion took place in the infant years of our country. People were still figuring out just what our nation would stand for. The Articles of Confederation were our first try at self-government, and they were largely influenced by the memories of the King and England.
