The election took place in the aftermath of Shays's Rebellion, for which Bowdoin was sharply censured. First elected in 1785, Bowdoin once in office pursued an economic policy of austerity that dramatically increased the tax burden on lower-class citizens, leading to judicial foreclosures against those owing back taxes, including many Continental Army veterans. After backcountry farmers rose in revolt, critics of the administration, including moderate fellow conservatives, charged that Bowdoin had acted unwisely by levying taxes "heavier than the People could bear." Bowdoin's harsh response to the rebels, several thousand of whom were summarily stripped of their right to vote, hold public office, or serve as jurors, was denounced as "self-serving" and "a violation of republican principles."[3] In the election, the voters overwhelmingly rejected Bowdoin, who lost to Hancock by 13,081 votes.[4]
