Examples Of Shay's Rebellion

The notion that the government rules all have been repeatedly overturned throughout history. Every time a government oppresses its citizens, someone who feels the discontent of the people will arise. Whether they are seen as heroes or rebels is ultimately the public’s opinion. While heroes and rebels both have a similar purpose, the people’s opinions on their actions make all the difference. One who goes with the people's beliefs to solve their discomfort ends up as the hero of the people. On the other hand, a rebel often strays from public belief and uproots the tyranny of the oppressive force that the public is still blindly following. Daniel Shays is a key example of this controversy between deciding if one is a hero or a rebel. Shays saw

For instance, after news got to Thomas Jefferson about Shay’s Rebellion, he responded by saying, “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.” (Jefferson after hearing about Shay's Rebellion). Jefferson implies that rebellion can help the government change in a good way. From instances such as this, people can reflect on their mistakes and improve upon them as shown time and time again throughout history. The way Shays impacted the way the government viewed the ones they disregarded, proves him to truly be a hero and not a rebel. Some argue that since he used violent means to get his ideals to reach the government he should be regarded as a rebel. However, instances such as these have recurred many times in history and sometimes violence is the only way for your ideology to make an impact on the view of the people. Time and time again violence has occurred in history and its aftermath led to peace. An example of an occurrence similar to this would be the American Revolution against Britain. While violence was used, America gained its independence and they were seen as heroes who fought against tyranny. Under situations like these, it is justifiable to break the law for the sake of the greater good of the people. Without going against corrupt systems, nothing will ever change. Therefore, Daniel Shays was not a rebel and should instead be seen as a hero for changing the corrupt system of the