The significance of Shays' Rebellion was that it highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and demonstrated the need for a stronger central government in the United States. The rebellion, led by farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, was a response to economic hardships and high taxes, as well as a lack of representation in the state legislature. It illustrated the inability of the weak national government under the Articles to effectively address internal issues and maintain order. This ultimately contributed to the push for the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a stronger federal government with the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1788.
