What was the event known as Shays's Rebellion primarily about?

Shays's Rebellion was primarily a protest by farmers, particularly in Massachusetts, against high taxes and aggressive debt collection practices that had led to widespread foreclosures of their farms. The event occurred in 1786-1787 and was orchestrated by Daniel Shays, who led a group of farmers frustrated with the economic hardships they faced in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. Many of these farmers were ex-soldiers who had not received payment for their service and were struggling to make ends meet.

The rebellion highlighted the economic difficulties of rural Americans and brought attention to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the inability of the federal government to address the economic turmoil and provide support to struggling states. As a result, Shays's Rebellion served as a catalyst for discussions that ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, as it became clear that the existing government structure needed stronger federal authority to maintain order and support citizens’ economic needs.