1. Shay’s Rebellion

2. The Critical Period
The 1780s are considered the “Critical Period” in American history
A new nation with an inadequate system of government.
Big problems face the United States
Economic
Political
foreign policy

3. Problem 1 Facing government bankruptcy
The nation owes $160 million in war debts
Congress had no power to tax
States rarely sent in half of Congress’ requested amounts of money
National currency has no value
Congress proposes a 5% duty on imports to raise revenue.
Rhode Island blocks the measure

4. Problem 2
Spain closes the Mississippi River to American commerce in 1784
Conspires with Westerners to acquire the area that becomes Kentucky and Tennessee.
Britain has military posts in the Northwest
Violates the Treaty of Paris
Tried to convince Vermont to become a Canadian Province

5. Problem 3 The Revolution disrupted the American economies
England prohibited American agriculture to be sold in the West Indies
After the war Massachusetts shipbuilders built 1/5 of the ships they had built in 1775
States protect local interests by imposing tariffs

6. Farmers in Massachusetts
Agricultural and shipbuilding industries face difficult economic challenges.
The state also voted to pay off the war debt in just three years.
 Taxes increase more than 60 percent

7. Farmers in Massachusetts
Demand cuts in property taxes
Want new laws to postpone farm foreclosures
Eastern Mass. Creditors convince the state government to reject the new laws that would aid the farmers

8. Western farmers interests versus Eastern Creditors

9. Farmers in Massachusetts
Local courts begin seizing property of farmers
Farm implements
Furniture
Clothing
Many are war veterans
Thousands of farmers rebel and shutdown the Northampton County Court.
Easterners raise 5,000 pounds to send an army led by Benjamin Lincoln to end the rebellion

10. Shay’s Rebellion
Shay and his followers attack a federal arsenal at Springfield
They get driven off by the army and are routed
The Massachusetts government also grants:
Tax relief
Amnesty to rebel leaders
The rebellion convinced national leaders that a strong central government is needed

11. Video
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