Farmers in western Massachusetts organized their resistance in ways similar to the American Revolutionary struggle. Leadership of Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Continental Army.
Governor of Massachusetts organized a military force funded by eastern merchants to confront rebels. They crushed the movement in t1786-1787 as the Shaysites quickly fell apart when faced with a strong army organized by the state. The rebellion disintegrated quickly, but the underlying social forces which propelled the action remained. Debtors' discontent was widespread and similar actions occurred on a smaller scale in Maine.
Voters turned against Governor Bowdoin. “This high level of discontent, popular resistance, and the election of pro-debtor governments in many states threatened the political notions of many political and social elites.”
Shay's rebellion demonstrated the high degree of internal conflict lurking beneath the surface of post-Revolutionary life. National leaders felt compelled to act to put an end to such popular acitons that took place beyond the bounds of law
http://www.ushistory.org/us/15a.asp
Northwest Ordinance:
After war, treaty of paris. All territories west of Ohio owned by the US. Virginia, pennsylvania and all northwest territories fight for it. Ordinance agreed by everyone. Thomas Jefferson : our territory would be free of slavery, it would be free entrance to college, libraries, etc. , if 60000 of back wood inhabitants got together and agreed on boundaries, they can petition congress to become a state. If its a yes, they get admitted into the union.
by
doodleprincess (student)
