Shay’s Rebellion

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Shay’s Rebellion
The Shay’s rebellion was not a shift of power from one ruling class to another but a revolution. Most of the people involved in the process had fought in the revolutionary war that allowed America to gain independence from the British. However, they received little compensation and were struggling to make end meets. Both the citizens and the ex-military fighter were forced to pay high taxes to cater for unpaid debts and delinquent tax, that is, penalties paid after the payment due date (Klein n.p.). All this took place under the leadership of Governor James Bowdoin. Shay and other citizens shut down court operations to prevent debt collections and seizures of properties for those that were unable to pay their debts.
Several people lost their lives, and others got imprisoned for participating in the rebellion. The taxes were too harsh on the citizens. The aftermaths of the entire process saw Bowdoin removed from the governor’s office. The newly elected legislature postponed the existing debts and reduced the taxes which helped in alleviating the economic crisis experienced at the time. The rebellion started in 1786 and resulted in a series of events even after it came to an end. It helped in underlining the weaknesses of other American leaders. For example, despite plans for Constitutional Convention already underway, the rebellion put more pressure on the national government and the ensuing debate held in Philadelphia led to the drafting of the United States Constitution which took place in 1787.

Without the rebellion, the citizens would have found themselves in a never-ending loop of paying high taxes despite their dwindling power to do so. There was a need for a person to lead the people from the bondage of paying excessively high taxes and Shay stepped up to the task.

Work Cited
Klein, Christopher. “How Shays’ Rebellion Changed America.” History (2016): N.p., Web. 28 Sept. 2018.