Transcript Shays` Rebellion Lesson Summary
After the Revolutionary War…
The country is a mess…
• • • • States were not united National Government = Broke No Army!
And all because of our nation’s 1 st constitution… –
A GROUP OF FARMERS ALMOST TAKE OVER THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS!!!
2
Why were the Articles of Confederation so weak?
AoC writers disliked…
Taxation without representation Having to follow British legislation Lots of power was in the king’s hands
So under the AoC…
The federal government could
not
tax States had their own laws and didn’t have to follow other states’ laws No executive branch leader (President) The king could change laws at any time Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval 3
What was the Problem?
• • • • •
No taxes = no money…no war debts being paid State government more power than national government 13 mini countries rather than 13 United States...
No army for defense No leadership figure to take control
4
What was the Problem?
• • •
No President…Leader of the army Since there was no executive branch and national court system, the government could not enforce its laws Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval, so the AoC was very difficult to modify
5
Please read – Passage about Shay’s Rebellion
• Answer questions to follow reading in your small groups 6
• •
Did ALL Americans think the Articles of Confederation were too weak? How did Americas react to Shays’ Rebellion?
Shays Rebellion Summary
Shays’ Rebellion- 1787
• • • • • • During war more food needed Farmers expanded farms with loans After war demand for food is down Massachusetts- 1787…2,000 farmers almost took over state because they were being jailed and having land taken Many farmers had fought in war Many never paid by government for fighting
Shays’ Rebellion Continued
• • •
Daniel Shays leads rebellion.
No national army = relay on militia to stop him Shays’ Rebellion proves the Articles of Confederation is a failing constitution