On August 29,1786, Shays’ Rebellion — an armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers — began. It was the first tax rebellion after the successful one in 1775–1783, and it so spooked the political leaders of the federal government that they ordered some amendments to the Articles of Confederation — eventually reconfiguring the federation with the U.S. Constitution.
Though the rebellion is named after former revolutionary soldier Daniel Shays (August 1747 – September 29, 1825), his actual role is disputed.
The title atop this page alludes to a 1971 memoir about the libertarian movement by Jerome Tuccille. No offense was intended, and we assume none is taken. Confusion is accepted as a substitute.