Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. In this 1787 letter, Jefferson writes to a friend about Shays’ Rebellion, an armed uprising that took place in Massachusetts because of rebels’ increasing dissatisfaction with state and federal government. The rebellion was organized by Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays, who led 4,000 people to rebel against perceived economic and civil liberties and injustices. Although Shays’ Rebellion was defeated, it prompted numerous national leaders to call for a stronger national government to suppress future rebellions. As you read, identify Jefferson’s opinion on revolution and whether or not he supports Shays’ rebellion. This informational text is for grade 10 readers. Thomas Jefferson on Shays’ Rebellion is in the public domain.
