What economic issue was at the heart of Shay's Rebellion?

Shays' Rebellion was fundamentally rooted in the issues of debts and taxation. Following the American Revolution, many farmers found themselves overwhelmed by high debts and faced significant taxation from the state government. The Massachusetts government, in an effort to pay off war debts and maintain its economic stability, imposed heavy taxes, which disproportionately affected rural farmers who were already struggling economically.

The farmers, led by Daniel Shays, organized to oppose these tax increases and the threat of foreclosure on their lands. Their rebellion highlighted the frustrations of those who felt that the government was not addressing their needs, thereby illuminating broader issues of economic inequality and the struggles of the lower class. The unrest spurred a significant debate about the structure of government and economic policy, ultimately contributing to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, as leaders recognized the need for a stronger central government that could address economic issues more effectively.