Shays' Rebellion and the United States Constitution: A study in conflict creating law

The armed insurrection by western Massachusetts farmers that became known as Shays' Rebellion reflected a deep socio-economic division that existed in the new nation in the late eighteenth century. This rebellion served as a microcosm of similar socio-economic problems that existed throughout the fledgling nation. An examination of the history of the rebellion shines light on these underlying problems The timing of the insurrection increased its level of impact on the growing movement for strengthening the national government. While the rebellion never threatened the security of the new nation, Shays' Rebellion is believed to have profoundly impacted the debates over framing and ratifying the Constitution. The degree to which the rebellion influenced the formulation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution is evaluated through examination of primary sources associated with the rebellion and the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.