Mark Singer’s Reviews > Shays' Rebellion: The Making of an Agrarian Insurrection > Status Update

Amazed at the total lack of understanding between the Shaysite rebels and their opponents. The establishment merchants and coast dwellers had no sympathy for the plight of the yeoman farmers. The yeomen were unable to get redress through peaceful means for their problems.

The farmers are at the bottom of the debt chain. They try to get paper currency and tender relief laws passed in the New England sates, and with the exception of Rhode Island, fail. Now the deb-ridden farmers attack the debtor courts. In many places at least 20% of taxpayers are being sued for debts.

After the Americans win their independence in 1783, they resume trade with the British, with the exception of the West Indies. Unable to trade with the West Indies, merchants in New England accumulate huge debts, and their British creditors demand payment in specie (hard currency). The merchants call in debts from farmers, refuse to accept goods such as food, and demand hard currency which is in short supply.