Final answer:
Shays' Rebellion was a critical event that revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the inability to raise an army and led to calls for a stronger central government. The uprising spurred political leaders to organize the Constitutional Convention, which addressed these issues and resulted in the U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shays' Rebellion and the Push for a Stronger Central Government
The event known as Shays' Rebellion highlighted the severe limitations of the Articles of Confederation. When Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, revolted against high taxes and debt, the national government proved powerless to respond effectively due to its inability to raise an army. The uprising, which involved attacks on courthouses to stop foreclosure proceedings, underscored a national sense of instability and vulnerability. Wealthy citizens and political leaders were alarmed by the threat of anarchy. This unrest, along with economic and political issues in other states, emphasized the need for a stronger central government capable of maintaining order and addressing the nation's problems. Consequently, leaders like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton called for a Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles, ultimately leading to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, which established a more robust federal government with the necessary powers to govern effectively.
George Washington emerged from retirement to guide the formation of a new governmental system that would prevent such insurrections and ensure greater stability across the United States. The failure of the Confederation to handle Shays' Rebellion and other similar challenges made evident the pressing need to reevaluate and strengthen the national government.