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Articles of Confederation
On November 15,1777, the Articles of Confederation were approved. -
Ratification of the Articles of Confederacy
The Articles of Confederacy did not go into effect immediately, however. The ratification of each of hte 13 States was needed first. Eleven States approved the document within a year. Delaware added its approval in Febuary 1779. Maryland did not ratify until March 1,1781. The second continental Congress declared the Articles effective on that date. -
The Critical Period
The long Revolutionary War finally ended. -
America's Victory
America's Victory was confirmed by the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. -
Representatives Meeting
Representatives from Maryland and Virginia met at Alexandria, Virginia, in March 1785. -
A Need for Stornger Government
the articles had created a government unable to deal with the nation's troubles. Inevitably, demand grew for a sronger, more effective national government. those who were most threatened by economic and political instability soon took the lead in efforts to that end. The movement for change began to take concrete from in 17855. -
Successful Negotiations
At George washington's invitation, they moved their sessions to his home at nearby Mount Vernon. Their negotiations proved so successful that on January 21,1786 "a joint meeting of all the states to consider and recommend a federal plan for regulating commerce." -
Daniel Shays
In the Fall of 1786, Daniel Shays, who had served as an officer in the War of Independence, led an armed uprising that forced several State judges to close their courts. -
Calling Apon the States
the congress called upon the states to send delegates to Philadelphia.