Jefferson wrote this while serving as minister to France, shortly after learning of Shays' Rebellion, an uprising of farmers in Massachusetts against debt-related taxes. Unlike many of his contemporaries (including George Washington) who were alarmed by the insurrection, Jefferson viewed it as a positive sign of a healthy, resistant population.

Jefferson argued that periodic rebellion or "resistance" is necessary to prevent government corruption and to keep rulers accountable. He believed that for liberty to thrive, citizens must be vigilant and, if necessary, willing to fight to defend their rights.