Lesson 8.2 Shays' Rebellion and the Need for Change

Question 1

What were the causes of Shays’ Rebellion?

Answer 1

* Congress did not have enough gold or silver to mint coins, which caused a money shortage. • Farmers had difficulty earning enough to pay their debts and taxes. • Farmers were required to sell their land and livestock to pay their debts.

Question 2

What were the effects of Shay’s Rebellion?

Answer 2

* Many Americans saw these things as signs that the nation was falling apart. • Congress called for a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. • People like Madison concluded that a nation made up of many groups needs a strong central government.