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Second Continental Congress
Was a meeting that lead to the Articles of Confederation. The Articles continued the government structured by the Second Continental Congress. -
The Articles of Confederation ratified
Although the Articles of Confederation was purposed in 1777 all 13 states finally ratified, or approved the Articles of Confederation in 1781. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed between the American colonists and Great Britain. The signing of the Treaty ended the American Revolutionary War. -
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Need for a Stronger Central Government
The new government under the Articles of Confederation created many problems for the new nation. Many Farmers, merchants and American leaders realized the need for a stronger central government. The Constitution was finally ratified when Rhode Island voted for the approval in 1790. -
Shay's Rebellion
The rebellion started when Daniel Shay, a former captain in the Revolutionary War, and hundreds of farmers marched in western Massachusetts. The Farmers wanted to prevent the courts from foreclosing their house. The rebellion winded down in 1787 when there was an economic upswing. -
Annapolis Convention
Virginia's representatives call another all state meeting. Even though all states were invited only 5 sent delegates to go. Alex Hamilton persuaded the other delegates to go to another meeting called the constitutional convention. -
Constitutional Convention
The American leaders realized the Articles of Confederation had too many problems. They held another meeting called the Constitutional Convention which lasted until May 25th to September 17th 1787. -
Articles of Confederation achievement: The Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance, was created in July 13, 1787, by the Second Continental Congress. The Northwest Ordiance chartered a government for the Northwest Territory, provided a method for admitting new states to the Union from the territory. -
Constitution is Ratifyed
Finally the constitution is ratifyed when Rhode Island is the last state to vote for approval. The Constitution however was in effect on July 21, 1788, when New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify it.