Chapter 3, Lesson 3 (8)

Shays' Rebellion in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787 shocked the wealthy and political elite and highlighted problems with the government under the Articles of Confederation. Daniel Shays led an armed uprising of farmers who could not pay their taxes due to economic hardship. The rebellion demonstrated that the national government under the Articles lacked the power to provide security or regulate interstate commerce. As a result, many felt the Articles needed to be replaced with a new constitution that established a stronger federal government.