Final answer:
Concern over Massachusetts's turmoil stemmed from the fear that the British military presence and oppressive measures seen in Boston could spread to other colonies, the economic crisis prompting Shays' Rebellion, and the precedent that the government was not upholding revolutionary ideals. Communication between colonies via the committees of correspondence also heightened concerns and fostered unified opposition to British rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Concern Over Massachusetts's Turmoil?
People throughout the United States were concerned about the turmoil in Massachusetts for several reasons. Leading up to the American Revolution, the presence of four thousand British troops in Boston was a stark symbol of British authority and a point of contention for colonists who saw it as an aggressive act of domination. The Boston Massacre, which unfolded against the backdrop of this military occupation and exacerbated by the competition for jobs between local workers and moonlighting British soldiers, sparked fears that similar unrest and oppressive measures could spread to other colonies.
The economic crisis in Massachusetts during the 1780s, marked by high taxes and unstable paper money, further aligned with concerns across the fledgling nation. This crisis led to Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising by farmers, many of whom were Revolutionary War veterans, underscoring the potential for widespread discontent and instability. Moreover, the perceived failure of the 1780 Massachusetts constitution to defend the interests of the common man mirrored fears that the revolutionary ideals of equality and freedom were not being realized, breeding additional anxiety for the new nation's future.
Lastly, the committees of correspondence established in the colonies facilitated the spread of information and dissent, which fostered unity in opposition to British rule but also heightened awareness of the troubles in Massachusetts. Benjamin Franklin’s remarks about the volatile situation in Boston underlined the colonial apprehension that any incident could escalate into broader conflict, highlighting the fragility of peace in the colonies.