jan 9, 1787 - Shays' Rebellion

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(1786-1787) Farmers in western Massachusetts, many of whom were Revolutionary War veterans, began protesting the sharp increases in state property taxes. When the Mass. Courts began assisting in the foreclosures on farms for failure to make mortgage payments and even putting farmers in jail, Daniel Shays organized 1000 men to storm the courthouse and bring an abrupt halt to these actions. The wealthy merchants in Boston feared an insurrection and gave money to raise an army to put an end to this populist revolt. The army from eastern Mass. used force in the winter of 86-87; four farmers were killed and the leaders were given amnesty after it was all said and done.

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