What are the Articles of Confederation?
• Congress was looking for a way to
unite the states through government
• November 15, 1777 the Articles of
Confederation were approved
• Established “a firm league of
friendship” among the States
• Each of the 13 states needed to
approve the Articles
• Eleven approved within the first year
• Delaware (1779) & Maryland (1781)
The Powers of the Articles
• Congress was given the power to
declare war
• Deal with national finance issues
• Settle disputes among the States.
The Obligations of the Articles
• The States promised to obey Congress
and to respect the laws of the other
States.
• Provide funds and troops requested
by Congress
• Treat citizens from other states fairly
(full faith and credit to the public acts)
• Most other powers were retained by
each State.
Problems after the Revolutionary War
1. British Navy had destroyed many American trade
ships (Disrupting trade)
2. Both armies stole crops from farms to feed
themselves
3. After the war, British law prohibit trade with their
sugar colonies (the Caribbean)
4. British manufactured goods were sold cheaper
than what could be produced in the colonies
5. War cost money!!!!!
Problems in Massachusetts
• Many states provided relief (loans
& postponed payment on taxes)
• Massachusetts refused to give
relief and that all state debts were
to be paid in full
• When farmers could not pay, the
state foreclosed on their property
• Daniel Shay & other farmers took
up arms to close the courts
• 500 farmers took up arms &
headed to Springfield
Shay’s Rebellion
• Gov. James Bowdoin issues
proclamation of unlawful
assembly
• Orders state militia to enforce it
• After a long standoff, the militia
withdraws, leaving the rebels in
charge (courts could not meet)
• Governor sends more troops
from Boston
• Shay’s Rebellion is put down
Why is Shay’s Rebellion Important?
• It showed the dangers of
ineffective state governments
• Popular democracy was out of
control (unchecked by strong
national government)
• “If government cannot check
these disorders, what security
has a man?”
– George Washington
Others Look for Stronger Government
• Property owners,
merchants, traders &
creditors look for change
• Maryland & Virginia met at
Mount Vernon to resolve
their trade problems
• So successful, the Virginia
General Assembly called
for a joint meeting of all
states
Meeting of the States
Annapolis, Maryland
Philadelphia, PA