History Daily Daniel Shays Leads a Rebellion
Sep 26, 2025
In 1786, Daniel Shays leads a desperate rebellion against high taxes and rising debts in Massachusetts. Farmers unite at Conkey's Tavern, planning protests to block foreclosures on their properties. Tensions peak as they force the state Supreme Judicial Court to shut down. George Washington expresses alarm over the chaos, highlighting the weaknesses in federal governance. The rebellion culminates in an assault on an armory, ultimately failing but sparking important discussions that influence the drafting of the Constitution.
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Farmers' Tavern Meetings Spark Revolt
- Daniel Shays, a indebted former Continental Army captain, led farmers meeting at Conkey's Tavern to plan direct action against court foreclosures.
- They surrounded county courthouses armed with drums and weapons to prevent property seizures and debt trials.
Economic Pressure, Not Ideology, Fueled The Revolt
- Postwar economic strain and state-level policy created the conditions for rebellion more than wartime ideals did.
- Massachusetts' 1,000% tax increase and demand for specie pushed debtors toward armed action.
Northampton Courthouse Standoff
- On August 29, Shays donned his old uniform and marched hundreds of armed farmers to Northampton's courthouse to block judges.
- They successfully prevented property seizures for hours before dispersing at midnight.
