Daniel Shays was an American soldier and farmer best known for leading Shays' Rebellion in 1786-1787. This uprising took place in western Massachusetts and was fueled by economic hardship, high taxes, and the threat of imprisonment for debt. Shays and his followers protested against the state government’s policies, which they believed were unfair to struggling farmers. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger federal government. Although the uprising was eventually suppressed, it played a significant role in shaping the discussions that led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.