Final answer:
Approximately 1,200 farmers participated in Shays' Rebellion, a response to the economic hardship facing indebted farmers in Western Massachusetts. The rebellion underscored the need for a stronger national government, and while some reports erroneously claimed up to 12,000 rebels, the historical consensus remains at 1,200 participants.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Shays' Rebellion of 1786-1787, approximately 1,200 farmers took up arms in Western Massachusetts. This revolt was led by Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Continental Army, and Job Shattuck among others, in response to the economic distress facing indebted farmers. Despite some reports inflating the number to 12,000, historical records confirm the number of rebels was closer to 1,200, a fact that concerned America's leaders deeply. The uprising was perceived as a significant threat to the order and raised alarms about potential anarchy. The Massachusetts state government, unable to quell the rebellion with its own militia due to sympathizers within the ranks, ultimately put down the insurrection with a privately funded militia. The aftershocks of this uprising were felt nationwide and contributed to the push for a stronger national government and the drafting of the United States Constitution.
Many of the participants in Shays' Rebellion were experienced war veterans, including its leader Daniel Shays. They were reacting to the conditions post-American Revolution where promised payments for their military service were not fulfilled, and they faced onerous taxes and debts. The rebellion highlighted the inadequacy of the Articles of Confederation and contributed to the Constitutional Convention, where leaders sought to create a stronger federal government capable of managing such crises more effectively.