Shays Rebellion Conclusion

Shays’ Rebellion lasted from August 1786 to June 1787

The rebellion was lead by (and named after) Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran and a farmer living in Massachusetts.

4,000 people took part in the uprising.

The were also referred to as the ‘Shaysites’

the rural population believed the richer merchant population was imposing unfair economic terms on them

September of 1786, Daniel Shays attempted to prevent the Supreme Judicial Court from meeting 

they knew he was coming

so 300 men were sent to protect the courthouse

By the end of 1786, groups all over the state had managed to shut down courts creating a feeling of anarchy and disorder.

 Samuel Adams (one of the Founding Fathers of the United States) helped to draw up the Riot Act that meant the rebels could be arrested and jailed without a trial. 

Death was even suggested

Samuel Adams tried to help the rural population by stating they could pay their taxes in farm goods rather than with money.

January 1787, Shays and his Shaysites decided they would attack the Springfield Armory and surrounded the area, ready for an attack on January 25

Shays and his men arrived at the Springfield Armory they were met by the military and the group fled to the north, stealing supplies and taking people hostage

 Shays was eventually caught, he was pardoned in 1788 and chose to go into hiding. (forgiveness by the governor for a crime committed).

The US Constitution was established in 1787 as a result of Shays’ Rebellion and was presided over by George Washington.

This gave government more structure and power.