shays' rebellion, 1786-1787

"In 1786, the Massachusetts government was seizing farmers' lands and throwing them in jail for unpaid debts and taxes. But many people couldn't pay because they had not yet been paid for fighting in the Revolutionary War just a few years before. Frustrated by this treatment, Daniel Shay led upset citizens in an armed revolt. Although their rebellion was short lived, it made clear to America's leaders that the young nation needed to change its laws, paving the way for the creation of the U.S. Constitution"--.

Anxious to be a hero, a young boy relates how he became involved in Shays' Rebellion, begun by farmers in western Massachusetts against what they felt were unfair taxes levied on them by the Boston government.

Traces the events that preceeded and followed the Massachusetts insurrection led by Daniel Shay in protest of the unjust farm taxes and legislation that threatened freedoms gained from the Revolution.

Describes the attempted revolt of Massachusetts farmers and yeomen which revealed the instability of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger Constitution.

Anxious to be a hero, a young boy relates how he becomes involved in Shays' Rebellion begun by farmers in western Massachusetts against unfair taxation levied on them by the Boston government.