The Northwest Ordinance

Planning Expansion

The Nw Ordinance• Passed in 1787 while the U.S. was still under

the Articles of Confederation – When the Constitution was adopted in 1789, the

new Congress reapproved it.

The Nw Ordinance• The Ordinance’s major

effects:1. Allowed new states to join

the U.S. (rather than just expand the original 13)• The first one was ___________

in 1803

2. Abolished slavery north of the Ohio river and east of the Mississippi river

The Nw Ordinance3. Listed various “natural rights” that would later

be added to the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.• Ex. Freedom of/from religion, no cruel & unusual

punishment, etc.

4. Created an organized system of creating new towns/cities.• Made sure leave space (and funds) for a public

school in each town

The Nw OrdinanceMap of Boston, 1814 Map of Cleveland, 1835