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Confederates were not the first Americans to engage in violent protest against what they saw as tyrannical government power. Imagine, for example, a conversation between a participant in Shay’s Rebellion (Chapter 6) and a southern Democrat who participated in the overthrow of a Republican government in his state. How would each describe his grievances? Whom would he name as enemies? Compare and contrast the tactics of these and other violent protests against government power in the United States. To what extent did these groups succeed?

User ToddeTV
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Final answer:

Participants in Shays' Rebellion had grievances over economic conditions and taxes, while a southern Democrat who participated in overthrowing a Republican government might cite overreach or corruption; both would engage in direct action against perceived enemies. Shays' Rebellion prompted the Constitutional Convention, showing how such protests could impact governmental change.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing Grievances and Tactics in American Protests

A participant in Shays' Rebellion would describe his grievances as stemming from high taxes, crushing debt, and widespread foreclosures in the aftermath of the American Revolution. His enemies would be the wealthy land-owning creditors and the Massachusetts state government, which failed to address the concerns of the farmers and veterans. The tactics used included the forceful shutdown of courthouses to prevent the seizure of their farms.

On the other hand, a southern Democrat involved in the overthrow of a Republican government would likely voice grievances regarding perceived injustices or overreach by that government, seeing it as illegitimate or corrupt. This individual might name Republicans and their associates as enemies. Their tactics could include the use of violence or legislative measures to usurp the existing governmental structures.

In terms of their success, Shays' Rebellion was ultimately suppressed, but it exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompted the Constitutional Convention. The southern Democrat's actions’ efficacy would depend on the specific historical context but could range from a temporary shift in power to a long-term structural change.

User Watt Iamsuri
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