A severe recession followed the American Revolution (1775-1783), leaving residents in Massachusetts in deep debt. The value of paper money became almost worthless, and coinage was scarce, making payments nearly impossible. Many farmers in Western Massachusetts lost their land. Town government officials petitioned the state government for relief funds and as they were not forthcoming and the number of lawsuits mounted, faith in the judicial system failed. This eventually led to Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787) when Western Massachusetts farmer and Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays led his “Regulators” in a revolt against the state government.
In April of 1782, delegates from Hampshire County towns first met in Hatfield to report their constituents’ grievances and petition the state government for relief and changes. They also proposed:
That this Convention request the Legislature from time to time to inform their constituents in the most effectual manner of all such matters relating to the situation of Publick Affairs Proceedings of Congress Important Taxes important Appropriations of Money Modes of Defence & probable means of Extricating Ourselves from our Principle Difficulties as they in their great Wisdom shall Judge likely to enlighten satisfy & animate them to a faithful united & successful prosecution of the war & give them the most entire confidence in the wisdom & entegrity of the government
