Final answer:
Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in 1786-1787 by indebted western Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, in opposition to high taxes and harsh economic conditions. This event highlighted the weakness of the Confederation government and was a catalyst for the Constitutional Convention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shays' Rebellion
The armed uprising in western Massachusetts in opposition to high taxes and stringent economic conditions is known as Shays' Rebellion. In 1786 and 1787, this insurrection, led by Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran, exemplified the critical economic struggles faced by indebted farmers, many of whom were also war veterans. These individuals were burdened with high taxes, unfair legal fees, and were unable to pay debts with depreciating currency, causing widespread discontent and leading to the rebellion.
Farmers felt that the new state government in Boston did not represent their interests, leading to escalated tensions. They owed taxes that had remained unpaid during the Revolution, since the Continental currency they were paid with had become worthless. The Massachusetts government's policy, under pressure from these grievances, led to a significant confrontation when Shays and his followers marched on the Court of Common Pleas in Northampton to prevent foreclosures on their lands. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Confederation government, serving as a catalyst for the drafting of the U.S. Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention.