The Shay Rebellion was an armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts in 1786-87. It was sparked by economic distress, including high taxes, high interest rates, and a shortage of hard currency. The rebels, led by Daniel Shays, sought to close down the courts in order to prevent the foreclosure of their farms.
The rebellion revealed the deep economic and social divisions in post-Revolutionary America. Many farmers had fought in the war for independence, but they felt that they were not reaping the benefits of their victory. They were burdened by heavy debts and taxes, while speculators and wealthy merchants prospered. The rebellion also exposed the weaknesses of the national government, which was unable to effectively maintain order and enforce the law.
The Shays Rebellion was eventually crushed by the state government, but it had a lasting impact on American politics and society. It helped to galvanize support for the Constitution, which was ratified in 1788. The Constitution created a stronger national government and gave the federal government the power to regulate commerce and tax. These measures helped to stabilize the economy and reduce the economic distress that had led to the Shays Rebellion.