The cause of Shays' Rebellion was primarily economic hardship and grievances against high taxes and oppressive debt policies imposed by the Massachusetts government after the American Revolution. Farmers in western Massachusetts, who were burdened with heavy taxes and debt, felt that their grievances were not being addressed by the state government, which led them to rebel against perceived injustices.
The primary cause of Shays' Rebellion was economic hardship faced by farmers in western Massachusetts. In the aftermath of the American Revolution, farmers in this region found themselves burdened with debt due to high taxes, a lack of hard currency, and a decline in the value of their crops. Additionally, Massachusetts introduced a new system of taxation that placed a heavy burden on small farmers, leading to widespread discontent. These economic grievances, combined with a lack of political representation for rural areas, fueled resentment and ultimately led to the rebellion.
