Shay's Rebellion

Definition

An uprising led by former Revolutionary War captain Daniel Shays in Massachusetts between 1786-1787, protesting against high taxes and stringent economic conditions.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States that was perceived as weak due to events like Shay's Rebellion.

Whiskey Rebellion: A similar uprising in 1794 where farmers in Pennsylvania protested against a federal tax on whiskey.

Constitutional Convention: This was a meeting held in 1787 to address problems with the Articles of Confederation. Shay's Rebellion was one factor that led to this convention.