What problem did Shays's Rebellion reveal about the Articles of Confederation? Who was Daniel Shays? Did he have a lot of money? Why was he angry? What did he do when he and others like him could not pay their taxes? How did the central government response to his actions? Under the Articles of Confederation, did the response show the central government was strong or weak?

Write your response in three to five complete sentences.

Shay’s Rebellion showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. When the central government couldn’t put down the rebellion, the first stirrings of federalism began to gather strength. The government gave most powers to the states, and the central government consisted only of a legislature. Daniel Shays was someone that did not like that America took farmers land and he lead Shays rebellion with a bunch of farmers. Shays was not wealthy, in fact, he was in debt. Shays and the farmers were upset because the government did not pay them what they earned from fighting in the war, so they could not pay their taxes. They rebelled by closing down multiple county courthouses to prevent farm foreclosures, they also marched on the state supreme court. In response, the governor sent more than 4,000 volunteers to defend the Arsenal. The Articles established a weak central government and placed most powers in the hands of the states. Under the Articles, the US economy stalled, since the central government lacked the power to enforce tax laws or regulate commerce.