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The Articles of Confederation Ratified
The Articles of Confederation, an agreement among the colonies that established the country as a confederation, is ratified. The articles prove to be very weak, as each colony is a separate state and the only existing national government branch is Congress. Supplemental Video -
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Shays' Rebellion
Massachussetts farmers rebel against foreclosures on property. -
Annapolis Conference
At the Annapolis Conference, twelve delegates from five states (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia), decided on having a new meeting after the convention that would consider changes to the Articles of Confederation to make the central government more powerful. -
Virginia Plan Proposed
The Virginia Plan, a Constitutional plan that became part of the Great Compromise, is proposed by Edmond Randolph. The plan outlines what would become the US Constitution, calling for a national government with three branches and checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. It describes two legislative houses, each having state representatives based on population. -
The New Jersey Plan Proposed
William Patterson proposes the New Jersey Plan as an alternative to the Virginia Plan. Unlike the VA Plan, however, it decides that the legislative branch would have one house in which states are all represented equally. -
Northwest Ordinance Adopted
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The Northwest Ordinance, adopted by the Second Continental Congress, was a charter that established a government for the Northwest Territory. Provisions such as dividing the territory into not less than three nor more than five states, a three-stage method for admitting a new state into the Union, and a bill of rights protecting various freedoms are included. -
US Constitution Created
The United States Constitution, the Supreme Law of the Land, is drafted. -
US Constitution Ratified
The US Constitution is formally ratified. Pictured here is the Constitutional Convention, the committee that drafted and signed the Constitution.
Elaboration on the Constitution -
First Musket with Interchangeable Parts
Eli Whitney invents the first musket with interchangeable parts. -
War of 1812
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In this war, the US takes on Great Britain in a conflict that would greatly impact the nation. The Americans' victory, which was brought about in spite of failings such as the burning of Washington D.C., enhances nationalism and fosters a new spirit of nationalism. -
The American System Created
The American System is created by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Henry Clay. The system is an economic plan that played a prominent role in 19th century American policy. -
First Steam Locomotive Invented
A Documentary on the American Industrial RevolutionThe first steam locomotive was built in the United States.
