Shays' Rebellion

Definition

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.

Related terms

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.