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 StatesAnnapolis, Maryland Philadelphia, PA