There were risings in other states, especially in North Carolina.

But Shays's Rebellion in Massachusetts was the most important of them all, because it convinced the New Englanders that a stronger national government was necessary.
[Illustration: CLAIMS AND CESSIONS.] [Sidenote: Claims of the states to Western lands.

_McMaster_, 155] [Sidenote: _Hero Tales_, 19-28.] [Sidenote: Opposition of Maryland and of other states.] 174.

Claims to Western Lands .-- The Confederation seemed to be falling to pieces.

That it did not actually fall to pieces was largely due to the fact that all the states were interested in the settlement of the region northwest of the Ohio River.