The Influence of Shay's Rebellion

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Dana Majewski Due September 28, 2011 Mr. Klaff AP U.S In 1776, when the United States declared independence from Britain, the new country needed a set of laws to apply to all of the states to replace the earlier British rule. The colonists, however, were concerned that if the United States put too much power in the central government the states rights would vanish. Therefore, the first form of government, the Articles of Confederation, gave too much power to the states and insufficient power to the central government. States could create their own money and refuse federal taxes, which caused many tribulations and almost destroyed the new country. In 1787, delegates from twelve states came together to revise the Articles of Constitution to provide the citizens with a stronger central government. However, instead of revising the Articles, the constitution was formed. The final document the delegates produced provided great compromises and ratification would help save the country from upheaval. The Articles of Confederation was created after 1776, when the thirteen colonies declared their freedom from England. The colonists still feared an all-controlling government that would destroy their natural rights once again. Therefore, the newly formed government lacked the central control to provide the states with order. The power remained mostly in the states as to create a loosely connected country and not a completely united one. Shays' Rebellion, the post-Revolutionary clash between New England farmers and merchants, tested the precarious institutions of the new republic. The rebellion arose in Massachusetts in 1786 and was the first armed uprising of the new nation. Daniel Shays was a poor farm... ... middle of paper ... ...e central government had limited power. However, without a powerful governing body, the United States was falling into disrepair. The difficulties in the Articles of Confederation culminated in Shay’s Rebellion and this demonstrated the need for a standing army, ability of the federal government to collect taxes, and for common currency throughout the United States. Therefore, to help the United States reach its full potential as a successful nation, the Constitution was written. It provided for a strong central government. The compromises with the document helped even the power between different branches and large and small states. Shay’s Rebellion let the country become aware that the Articles of Confederation lacked power to provide control the entire United States. Shay’s Rebellion caused the country to become stronger by uniting through the Constitution.

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