Final answer:
Daniel Shays and the rebels were justified in their attacks on the government of Massachusetts due to difficult economic conditions and unfair treatment. They were seeking relief from debt and protection of their rights. Although they were not successful, their actions led to addressing the issues they were facing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Daniel Shays and the rebels were justified in their attacks on the government of Massachusetts due to the difficult economic conditions they were facing. These farmers in western Massachusetts were heavily in debt, facing imprisonment and the loss of their lands. They owed taxes that had gone unpaid while they were away fighting the British during the Revolution. The uprising was a protest against high taxes, crushing debt, and widespread foreclosures.
The rebels sought to protect their rights to fair treatment and relief from debt. Many of them were veterans of the war for independence, and they believed that they were being unfairly treated by the government. By taking action, they were expressing their dissatisfaction and attempting to influence the legislature and governor in Boston. Though their attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, their actions served as an impetus to address the economic and political issues that were affecting the farmers.