The term refers to a late 18th-century uprising in western Massachusetts, triggered by economic hardships faced by farmers, many of whom were Revolutionary War veterans. These individuals struggled with debt and faced foreclosure on their farms due to high taxes and a lack of accessible currency. Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Continental Army, led the armed revolt against state government attempts to collect taxes and judgments. The rebels sought to prevent courts from convening and seizing property.
This event exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States. The central government lacked the power to effectively suppress the rebellion or provide economic relief to the affected citizens. The inability to maintain order and address the grievances of the populace underscored the need for a stronger national government. It served as a crucial catalyst for the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
