This is my first ever thematic essay as our teacher did not assign us a single essay the entire year. Anyway, comments, grades, suggestions, criticism, etc would be appreciated! Thanks!</p>
prompt: Examine the causes and significance of Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion</p>
<pre><code>In 18th century America, back-country settlers often protested the acts of the federal government. Both Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion were significant protests against the federal government. Although these protests attempted to weaken a new, untested government, these rebellions laid the framework for a strong central government that currently characterizes the American democracy.
Shay’s Rebellion was led by disgruntled farmers who protested high taxes, foreclosure on their homes, and their inability to pay off debt. These farmers were victimized by Hamilton’s financial plan which advocated a trickle-down effect which was good for the industrialized northern cities, but far from what Daniel Shays and his fellow farmers desired. Additionally, these farmers, who are unable to pay off pre-Revolutionary War debt, are being foreclosed out of their homes at increasing rates. However, these farmers resented their foreclosures because they believed since they helped the American cause in the Revolutionary War, the government should delay foreclosures on their homes and farms. As the protest grew stronger and the federal government continued to struggle to put it down, it revealed the need for a revision of the Articles of Confederation as they were too weak in the central government to function properly. Thus, the second continental congress was called and, at last, a Constitution was drafted to replace the Articles of Confederation. This new constitution greatly strengthened the central government and provided congress to set up national militaries and a form of checks and balances with the President enforcing the law. As a result of the federal government’s lack of ability to end Shay’s Rebellion, the new constitution set up America’s current and strong central government.
Similarly, the Whiskey Rebellion was also started by back-country protesters. They were protesting a tax on alcoholic distillers in Alexander Hamilton’s financial program. Although its roots were similar to those of Shay’s Rebellion, the Whiskey Rebellion occurred after the constitution was ratified and put in place. When President Washington heard of the Whiskey Rebellion, he quickly sent a large federal army to end the protests. When an army of several thousand troops arrived, the rebellion quickly ended. This was significant because it proved that the system of the constitution works where the Articles of Confederation failed. President Washington used his position as an enforcer of law to send a federal army (which the constitution allowed congress to create) to enforce the law, force the rebels to pay taxes, and maintain order in society. Washington’s swift and successful halt of the rebellion also showed that rebellious behavior would not be tolerated in the new nation.
Obviously, Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion were both significant rebellions because they proved that the constitution is necessary to govern the diverse groups of people and maintain order in a rebellious society. Additionally, the fact that both rebellions were started by back-country farmers and distillers reflects the federal government’s lack of consideration for these underrepresented people. Clearly, Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan, praised by the industrial north and vilified by the rebels, was a significant cause of these rebellions and, eventually, led to and later cemented the federal government’s position as a strong force backed by the constitution in America.
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