What do you think is happening in this picture?

1. What do you think is happening in this picture?

2. Shay’s Rebellion

3. Definitions • Rebellion- • Depression- • Debt-

4. Difficult times for Farmers • After the Revolutionary War ended, the United States went through a depression. • Southern plantations had been damaged in the war, and trade exports dropped. • What crop do you think was most largely affected by the war? • A. Rice • B. Corn • C. Wheat • American farmers suffered because they could not sell their goods and they had problems paying for the requests the states asked for after the war to pay debts. • As a result state officials took farmer’s land to pay for their debts and put many farmers in jail.

5. Daniel Shays • Born in Massachusetts • Join the local militia during the war and rose to a high ranking Captain. • Fought in several key battles including the Battle of Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Lexington. • Upon returning home, he discovered he was summoned to court for unpaid debts, which he still could not pay because he was not paid for military service

6. Farmers Resentment • Resentment grew especially strong in Massachusetts. • Farmers viewed the new government as a form of tyranny. • One of the demands of the farmers was for the government to issue paper money and make new policies to relieve debtors. • Can you think of one demand that the government could institute, to help the farmers?

7. Rebellion • In 1786 the farmers lashed out, led by Daniel Shay. • The famers forced courts in Western Mass to close, so that judges could not take farmers’ land. • Shay led more than 1,000 farmers towards federal arsenal in Springfield, Mass, for arms and ammunition. • The state militia ordered Shay and his men to stop, firing over their heads.

8. What happens next…? • What do you think will happen next?

9. Rebellion Continued • The farmers continue on with their search of arms and ammunition from a arsenal in Springfield, Mass. • The militia fires again, killing 4 rebel farmers. • Shay and his men scattered and the uprising was over

10. After Effects • The rebellion frightened many Americans. • Americans were concerned if the government could control its people. • Upon hearing about the rebellion, George Washington wondered whether “mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.” • Thomas Jefferson had a different view on the rebellion, “A little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing.” • Which former President do you agree with and why?

11. Homework • Write the following question down on a separate sheet of paper. • How do you think the Revolutionary War affect the issue of slavery in America? • Keep in mind we did not discuss this issue, I just want to know your thoughts. • About 3-4 sentences!