September 23, 2014

Shays Rebellion
Daniel Shay was an American farmer who was upset about taxes. He caused riots in
Massachusetts during 1787. During the riot Shay had burned buildings, killed tax collectors, and
stolen weapons from nearby government-owned armories. Daniel Shay is a rebel because of his
actions but many may argue that his actions are understandable. The opposing argument states
that he had fought for the better of the people and wanted to prevent the people around him from
being in constant debt. Abigail Adams believed Daniel Shay was a rebel. She states that she
believed his cause was weakening the foundation of the country and that those who were affected
by the unpaid taxes had spent their money on mindlessly.
Daniel Shay was a rebel because he had burned buildings, killed tax collectors, and stolen
weapons from the armory. This quote stated by Abigail, The men are ignorant, relentless
criminals, without conscience or morals, indicates that she believes the rioters are indeed rebels.
This quote supports my opinion by having another individual share a common belief while
having been alive during the time giving me a more authentic source. In my opinion, Abigails
opinions are trustworthy as well the context of her letter because she has thoroughly explained
the events of Shays rebellion.
To support my argument, in Abigails letter she has written, This mob of rebels wants to
weaken the foundation of our country. Abigail explains that the rioters are destroying the

foundation of the country and its strong beliefs. This statement upholds the fact that this act of
rebellion and that Shay should be punished for his crimes.
The rioters claim that taxes were used to make the rich become wealthier, but in actuality
the taxes were used to pay the massive war debts the country now owed. In Daniels speech he
stated, Instead of improving our credit, our money is being used to help the rich get richer.
Shay has claimed that the taxes were collected for a wrong reason and acted irrationally. His
actions have been reckless and therefore led me to the conclusion that he is a traitor with the
evidence and statements given by Abigail Adams.
Daniel Shay was a rebel. His acts against the law should be considered betrayal and those
involved should be punished as well. Others may claim that Shay was a freedom fighter, but he
had acted ignorantly for his purpose. The two documents I have analyzed present each sides
argument both written by people who were alive at the time. I find Abigails letter to be more
reliable than Shays speech because she provides a solid argument in which she believes the riots
were against what the country had stood for and were destroying its foundation. Others may
disagree but however it raises the question, did Shay really fight for the right reason?