Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What was the main outcome of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts?

1. A protest against taxes imposed on farmers

2. A movement to abolish slavery

3. A campaign for women's suffrage

4. An effort to promote education reform

The correct answer is: A protest against taxes imposed on farmers

The primary outcome of Shays' Rebellion was indeed a protest against taxes imposed on farmers. The rebellion took place in 1786-1787 and was led by Daniel Shays, a former soldier, along with other disgruntled farmers facing severe economic hardship and heavy taxation imposed by the Massachusetts state government. Many farmers were unable to pay their debts and taxes, leading to foreclosures on their properties. The rebellion highlighted the economic struggles of rural citizens post-Revolutionary War and the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation in addressing the needs of the states. It exposed the weaknesses in the federal government’s ability to maintain order and manage economic policy, ultimately contributing to the call for a stronger federal government, which resulted in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This uprising illustrated the need for reform and signaled potential unrest among the populace, thereby influencing the development of a new governmental structure that could better balance the interests of various social groups. In contrast, the other choices are not directly related to the events and implications of Shays' Rebellion. There was no significant campaign to abolish slavery, advocate for women's suffrage, or promote education reform tied to this incident.