What were the causes of shays rebellion and how did it lead to the constitutional convention? Thanks!!!!
http://www.americancenturies.mass.edu/people_places/view.jsp?itemtype=3&id=17
Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in Massachusetts, which took place from 1786 to 1787. Understanding the causes and the subsequent impact on the Constitutional Convention requires examining the historical context of the time.
1. Economic Hardship: The primary cause of Shays' Rebellion was economic hardship faced by farmers in western Massachusetts who were burdened by heavy debts and high taxes. Following the American Revolution, many farmers found themselves in financial distress due to war-related expenses and post-war economic depression.
2. Debtor's Treatment: The farmers faced harsh treatment from creditors, who often sought to foreclose their properties. The Massachusetts government passed laws allowing the confiscation of property for unpaid debts, exacerbating the difficulties faced by farmers.
3. Lack of Representation: Discontent grew due to the perception that the government was controlled by wealthy financial elites, who were indifferent to the plight of ordinary citizens. The farmers felt disenfranchised and without proper representation.
Shays' Rebellion played a significant role in shaping the direction of the United States towards a stronger federal government. Its impact on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 can be understood as follows:
1. Escalation of the Crisis: Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the governing document at the time. The rebellion threatened the stability and security of the young nation, leading many to question the effectiveness of the weak central government.
2. Calls for a Stronger Central Government: The rebellion served as a wake-up call to those who believed in the necessity of a stronger central authority. It exposed the limitations of a government that lacked the ability to suppress uprisings and maintain order.
3. Motivation for Change: Many influential figures, including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, viewed Shays' Rebellion as evidence of the critical need to revise or replace the Articles of Confederation. The rebellion provided a catalyst for discussions on the necessity of a more robust federal government capable of maintaining law and order.
4. Constitutional Convention: As a reaction to events like Shays' Rebellion, delegates from the states convened in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the fundamental flaws of the Articles of Confederation. This convention ultimately led to the drafting of a new governing framework for the United States, resulting in the Constitution of the United States.
In summary, Shays' Rebellion was caused by economic hardship, debtor mistreatment, and a lack of representation. It directly influenced the need for a stronger central government, leading to the Constitutional Convention where the United States Constitution was crafted to address these concerns.