Shays' Rebellion

When did the American Revolutionary War end with U.S. independence?

• 1776

• 1783

• 1800

• 1812

What was the economic impact of the war on the states?

• Economic boom

• Significant debt

• Stable economy

• Increased trade

What were some of the issues faced by soldiers and farmers?

• High wages and bonuses

• No jobs and destroyed farms

• Access to new markets

• Government subsidies

How did tax hikes feel to the farmers?

• Like a reward

• Like a personal attack

• Like a necessary evil

• Like a minor inconvenience

What happened to many farmers due to financial difficulties?

• They gained more land

• They lost their farms to foreclosures

• They received government aid

• They moved to cities

What was the farmers' investment used for during the war?

• Building infrastructure

• Feeding soldiers and the nation

• Developing new weapons

• Expanding trade routes

What did the farmers' investment help achieve during the war?

• Economic growth

• Military success

• Political stability

• Social reform

Who was Benjamin Lincoln?

• A famous merchant

• A leader of Shays' Rebellion

• An officer in George Washington’s Continental Army

• A British general

What was a reason merchants opposed the insurrection?

• They wanted to increase taxes

• They were owed money in debt

• They supported the British

• They wanted to abolish the militia

What were the underlying issues that Shays' Rebellion uncovered? (multiple answers are correct)

• Average citizens are dangerous and likely to lead an insurrection. They are immoral and unlikely to do the right thing unless controlled by government

• The U.S. government before the Constitution (approx. 15 years) was weak and ineffective in dealing with some major issues.

• Economic injustice was a problem after the Revolutionary War because the very people who won the war were driven into debt by it and asked to pay up, anyway.

• Debtors (those who were owed the money) were not wrong, either. They were business owners who had families and needed to make a living.