USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Historically, scholars have argued that the four thousand rebels (called Shaysites) who protested against economic and civil rights injustices by the Massachusetts Government were led by American Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays.

Detailed explanation-2: -The rebels were mostly ex-Revolutionary War soldiers-turned farmers who opposed state economic policies causing poverty and property foreclosures. The rebellion was named after Daniel Shays, a farmer and former soldier who fought at Bunker Hill and was one of several leaders of the insurrection.

Detailed explanation-3: -In a letter to General Henry Knox, Shepard shared his concern that, should these men obtain Arsenal weapons, they would terrorize the state. On the afternoon of January 25, 1787, about 1, 400 of the men Shepard called “a wicked Banditti of rebels” advanced on the Arsenal, led by Captain Daniel Shays.

Detailed explanation-4: -The army fired warning shots followed by artillery fire, killing four of the insurgents and wounding twenty. The rebel force quickly faltered and scattered into the countryside. Many participants were later captured and most men, including Shays, eventually received amnesty as part of a general pardon.

Detailed explanation-5: -As a Revolutionary War veteran, Shays wears the uniform of officers of the Continental Army. Secretary of War Henry Knox asked Congress to send troops to quell the rebellion and protect the federal armory at Springfield, which stored seven thousand guns, bayonets, artillery, and gunpowder.