Shay no More, we will fix it

America is Born part 6

• By 1787, Congress had failed so consistently that it was held in almost no respect. There was no money to pay civil officials, soldiers, or American representatives abroad. There was talk of even establishing a monarchy.

• The government was simply too weak to deal with the nation’s problems.

• A frightening example of this occurred in 1787, when a group of Massachusetts farmers revolted against the state. The incident was known as Shays’ Rebellion.

• The protesters were led by farmer Daniel Shays.

• They accused the state government of taxing them too much.

• The armed protesters clashed with the state militia.

• Four farmers were killed.

• It caused panic throughout the nation.

• Many Americans feared their new country was sinking into chaos and violence.

• Before Shays’s Rebellion, leaders such as James Madison of Virginia had called for a meeting of delegates over interstate trade.

• Only five states sent representatives.

• After news spread of Shays’s Rebellion, delegates from all states except Rhode Island came to the Philadelphia convention.

• George Washington received word from John Knox that his assistance was greatly needed.

• He decided to left his home in Mount Vernon and lent his enormous prestige to the proceedings. He would preside as the president of the Convention.

• Washington was not the only high profile person to attend the meeting.