Final answer:
Shays' Rebellion was caused by economic difficulties, including high taxes and debt, facing farmers in western Massachusetts, leading to an armed insurrection led by Daniel Shays.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason for Shays' Rebellion was a) Economic hardships and heavy taxes on farmers. Western Massachusetts farmers, like Daniel Shays, were facing high taxes, crushing debt, and the potential loss of their farms due to foreclosures. Unable to pay their taxes with farm goods, and with the state government perceived as unsympathetic—imposing high legal fees and paying officials large salaries—these farmers' grievances led to an insurrection aimed at preventing court trials that could result in their land being seized.
Shays' Rebellion became a symbol of disorder and revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, prompting national leaders to push for a stronger federal government. This event, along with similar hardships in other states, contributed significantly to the call for the Constitutional Convention, where the U.S. Constitution was crafted.