Locke claimed that the role of the government was to preserve the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. During the turmoil of Shays Rebellion, both sides of the conflict believed they were acting justly according to Lockean theory. The poor farmers of western Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, would have argued that the government they had fought so hard to create was not preserving these rights, specifically the right to property. On the other hand, the wealthy elite of eastern Massachusetts, supported by Samuel Adams, would have claimed their government upheld these rights and was above rebellion. In this case, because of their desperation, the farmers of Massachusetts were more justified.
In many ways, the farmers were justified
In many ways, the farmers were justified