Shay's Rebellion was the first armed uprising of the new nation. It was caused by the absence of debt relief legislation in Massachussetts. When the Revolution ended, merchants and creditors lobbied for high taxes and against paper money. They were successful. These procreditor polices underminded farmers' finances. The legislation, including foreclosure laws, were extremely taxing to farmers and caused many to go into great debt. Many farmers were dragged to court where they faced high legal fees and threats of imprisonment because of their debt. In 1786, farmers in Massachussetts attended extralegal meetings where they protested against high taxes and aggressive eastern creditors. Bands of angry farmers joined together to close law courts with force and freed debtors and fellow protestors from jail. Resistance to the legislation climbed to a full-scale revolt. John Adams, president at the time, aswered with the Riot Act, which outlawed illegal assemblies. The rebellion was suppressed by military force. The rebellion preompted leaders with national perspective to redouble their efforts and create a stronger central government.
