
Farmers’ Revolt Multiple Choices
This passage discusses Shays’ Rebellion, an uprising led by farmers in response to the economic difficulties and taxation policies under the Articles of Confederation. It explains how Daniel Shays and other veterans protested against the lack of pay for military service and high taxes, leading to armed conflict. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles, as it struggled to respond effectively. The Massachusetts government ultimately raised a militia to suppress the uprising.
Reading about Shays’ Rebellion engages students with a real-life event demonstrating the consequences of governmental policies, enhancing their historical understanding. It builds vocabulary related to economic issues and rebellions, providing context for terms encountered in other historical narratives. This passage also strengthens reading comprehension as students follow the causes and outcomes of the rebellion. Furthermore, it fosters critical thinking by prompting students to evaluate the effectiveness of governance.