Which major event convinced people that the Articles of Confederation were too weak and needed reform?

Shay's Rebellion was a crucial event that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and galvanized public opinion in favor of reform. This uprising, which occurred in 1786-1787, involved farmers in Massachusetts who were protesting against economic injustices, particularly high taxes and the inability to pay debts. The rebellion underscored the federal government’s inability to maintain order and provide support to states in times of crisis.

The fact that the federal government lacked a standing army or the financial means to quell the insurrection made clear that the Articles of Confederation were insufficient to govern effectively. This unrest contributed to the growing sentiment that a stronger national government was necessary, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 where the current Constitution was drafted to replace the Articles. The fear that the federal government was too weak to manage domestic disturbances played a significant role in shaping the new framework of government.

In contrast, while the Boston Tea Party was a significant protest against British taxation, it was more focused on colonial grievances and did not directly point to the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation. The Constitutional Convention was a direct response to the weaknesses revealed by events like Shay's Rebellion, making it a consequential moment but not the event that initially