Shay's Rebellion and Its Consequences

The Articles of Confederation, America's first founding document, lacked the power to tax, enforce laws, or maintain a standing army, leaving the national government weak. Post-Revolution, economic struggles ensued, with states inconsistently supporting debtors or creditors. Shay's Rebellion highlighted these weaknesses, as farmers, led by Daniel Shay, protested foreclosures. The rebellion underscored the need for a stronger central government, leading to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of the US Constitution.

What was a major limitation of the Articles of Confederation?

• It required unanimous consent for amendments.

• It allowed states to print their own money.

• It could not enforce laws or maintain a standing army.

• It gave too much power to the national government.

Why did many men have to take out loans during the Revolutionary War?

• To invest in new businesses.

• To keep their farms operational.

• To pay off their debts.

• To buy weapons for the war.

What was one consequence of the states sometimes siding with creditors after the war?

• Increased trade with Britain.

• Widespread farm foreclosures.

• A stronger national government.

• A decrease in inflation.

What was the government's response to the financial crisis and inflation?

• They reduced military spending.

• They borrowed more from Britain.

• They printed more money.

• They increased taxes.

Why were many farmers unable to vote after the financial crisis?

• They were imprisoned.

• They had no property.

• They moved to different states.

• They lost their citizenship.

Who led the rebellion in Massachusetts to stop farm foreclosures?

• Daniel Shay

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

• George Washington

What role did the state militia play during Shay's Rebellion?

• They were neutral and did not participate.

• They were part of the rebellion.

• They supported the national government.

• They were disbanded before the rebellion.

What was a significant outcome of Shay's Rebellion?

• The states gained more power over the national government.

• The rebellion was easily suppressed by the national army.

• A stronger central government was deemed necessary.

• The Articles of Confederation were strengthened.

What did Shay's Rebellion demonstrate about the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

• It was effective in managing economic crises.

• It was too powerful and oppressive.

• It was unable to maintain order and enforce laws.

• It had too much control over the states.

What was the ultimate result of the weaknesses exposed by Shay's Rebellion?

• The rebellion was forgotten.

• The US Constitution was created.

• The Articles of Confederation were abolished.

• The states gained more independence.