Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts (mostly in and around Springfield) during 1786 and 1787. Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays led four thousand rebels (called Shaysites) in a protest against perceived economic and civil rights injustices.
Think of Shays' Rebellion like a group of students protesting against the school administration because they feel their concerns about tuition hikes or unfair policies are not being addressed. The rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger national government to handle such uprisings, just as the student protest might highlight the need for better communication channels between students and administration.
Articles of Confederation: The original constitution of the US which was replaced due to its inability to effectively govern during events like Shay's Rebellion.
Federalism: A system where power is divided between national and state governments, an idea that gained traction after Shay's Rebellion showed the weaknesses of too much state power.
Whiskey Rebellion: Another insurrection that occurred during Washington's presidency, similar to Shay's rebellion but it tested the new Constitution’s ability to suppress violent resistance to its laws.
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