Shay's Rebellion of 1786 was significant because it (2) convinced many Americans of the need for a stronger national government. Shay's rebellion was mostly a civilian rebellion (who later took up arms). These were poor farmers who were very mad at the faraway government for land seizures, corruption in government and regressive tax policy. These farmers gained ground and the elites in power soon realized they needed a stronger government to quell the angry civilians.
