The Rebellion that Built a Nation: Shays' Rebellion

Essential Question: I can explain how Shays’ Rebellion prove the Articles of Confederation were a failure and lead to the creation of the Constitution.

Part 1: Do Now (5 minutes)

Prompt: In our last lesson, we saw that the central government under the Articles of Confederation was very weak. What might happen in a country if the government doesn't have the power to collect taxes, enforce its laws, or protect its citizens? Predict two potential problems.

Part 2: The "Final Straw" (30 minutes)

Directions: In 1786, your prediction came true. The government couldn't solve the country's economic problems, and many farmers (who were also Revolutionary War veterans) were losing their farms because they couldn't pay high state taxes. In Massachusetts, farmers led by Daniel Shays rebelled. The central government was powerless to stop them.

Read how George Washington reacted in a letter to a friend in 1787.

“I feel... infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders [chaos] which have arisen in these States. Good God! ...If government shrinks, or is unable to enforce its laws; fresh maneuvers will be displayed by the insurgents [rebels]... and every thing will be turned topsy turvey...

There are combustibles [things that can catch fire] in every State, which a spark might set fire to...

If the rebels have real grievances [complaints], redress them if possible... if they have not, employ the force of government against them at once.”

Answer Questions:

1. How does George Washington feel about the rebellion? Circle one word or phrase in the text that shows his emotion.

2. Washington says there are "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." What does he mean by this? What is he afraid will happen?

3. The central government under the Articles had no money to pay soldiers and no power to create a national army. How did this weakness make Shays' Rebellion an even more dangerous crisis for the nation?

Part 3: Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Prompt: Explain why Shays' Rebellion was considered the "final straw" for the Articles of Confederation. What did this event prove to leaders like George Washington?