Question

What was Shays’ Rebellion? Why did it represent the beginning of the end for the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 1

See below

Step-by-step explanation:

I don’t go into much depth and I’ll just give the simplified version. When you look at Shays’ Rebellion, the most important thing is realizing that the Articles made the Congress of Confederation ineffective. It had no power to enforce its own laws or impose taxes and of course lacked the power to raise a national army. The Rebellion was actually never put down by national force but instead by Massachusetts State Militia and other private militias. This was a huge red flag and is for any government trying to do what its suppose to do, and that’s govern lol.

After the passage of the Constitution you can see the total difference with the Whiskey Rebellion and how the Federal government had the power to suppress them. George Washington himself led the way as president to extinguish any calls for rebellion. It showed how the new constitution was much better at handling internal threats and gave the federal government power to actually enforce its rule.

Answer 2

Shay's Rebellion showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. When the central government couldn't put down the rebellion, the first stirrings of federalism began to gather strength. ... The government gave most powers to the states, and the central government consisted only of a legislature.

I hope this helps!