http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shays%27_RebellionThe financial situation leading to the rebellion included the problem that European war investors (among others) demanded payment in gold and silver; there was not enough specie in the states, including Massachusetts, to pay the debts; and throughout the state, wealthy urban businessmen were trying to squeeze whatever assets they could get out of rural smallholders. Since the smallholders did not have the gold that the creditors demanded, everything they had was confiscated, including their houses.The accelerated transfer of wealth upstairs made the people unruly, so the, uh,
creditors, including one George Washington, decided at that time that a stronger central government might be a good idea... and wrote the Constitution shortly thereafter.
So I completely agree with your observation above. "Money's nice, it keeps us in line," said Ian MacKaye.
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