APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - The Articles of Confederation

Why This Matters

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, was the first attempt at a unified government for the newly independent American states. However, its weaknesses led to a series of crises, ultimately paving the way for the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787. This topic is significant for understanding the larger period of American history, as it highlights the challenges of creating a new nation and the importance of a strong central government in maintaining national unity and stability. This is a key example of the AP theme of Politics and Power, as it demonstrates the struggle for authority and the need for effective governance in a newly formed nation.

Key Events & People

• The Continental Congress: A gathering of delegates from the 13 colonies that drafted and adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1781.
• Benjamin Franklin: A key drafter of the Articles, who advocated for a strong central government and a unified national identity.
• The Treaty of Paris (1783): The treaty that officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence, but also created economic and territorial disputes that the Articles of Confederation struggled to address.
• Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787): A tax protest in Massachusetts that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and led to calls for a stronger central government.
• The Annapolis Convention (1786): A gathering of states that called for a constitutional convention to revise the Articles, which ultimately led to the drafting of the United States Constitution.
• George Washington: A key figure in the Continental Congress and the first president of the United States, who played a crucial role in the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.
• Alexander Hamilton: A key drafter of the Constitution and a strong advocate for a strong central government, who would later become a key figure in the Federalist Party.
• The Northwest Ordinance (1787): A law that established the Northwest Territory and provided for the admission of new states, but also highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles in managing national territory.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, including its lack of a strong central government and its inability to manage national debt.
• Effect: The economic and territorial disputes that arose from the Treaty of Paris, including the issue of western land claims and the debt incurred during the Revolutionary War.
• Long-term consequence: The need for a stronger central government, which ultimately led to the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.

Essential Vocabulary

• Confederation: A loose alliance of states that share power and authority.
• Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and smaller regional units.
• National debt: The amount of money owed by a government to its creditors.
• Territorial disputes: Conflicts over the ownership and control of land.
• Constitutional convention: A gathering of delegates to draft a new constitution.
• Revision: A change or amendment to an existing document or system.
• Federalist: A member of a political party that advocates for a strong central government.
• Anti-Federalist: A member of a political party that advocates for a weaker central government and more state power.
• Treaty: An agreement between two or more nations or states.
• Ordinance: A law or decree issued by a government.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1776, not 1781.
• Correction: The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, after the Continental Congress had already drafted and adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
• What students often get wrong: The Articles of Confederation were a strong central government.
• Correction: The Articles of Confederation were a loose alliance of states that shared power and authority, with a weak central government.
• What students often get wrong: Shays' Rebellion was a successful tax protest.
• Correction: Shays' Rebellion was a failed tax protest that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Be sure to include specific examples from the period, such as the Treaty of Paris and Shays' Rebellion.
  • Evidence to cite: The Articles of Confederation, the Treaty of Paris, Shays' Rebellion, the Northwest Ordinance.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the role of key figures, such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, in the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.
  • Evidence to cite: The writings and speeches of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, the Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the Northwest Ordinance in the development of the United States.
  • Evidence to cite: The Northwest Ordinance, the Articles of Confederation, the Treaty of Paris, the Constitution.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
   • Correct answer: Its lack of a strong central government.
   • Explanation: The Articles of Confederation were a loose alliance of states that shared power and authority, with a weak central government.
2. Who was a key drafter of the Articles of Confederation?
   • Correct answer: Benjamin Franklin.
   • Explanation: Benjamin Franklin was a key figure in the Continental Congress and a strong advocate for a strong central government.
3. What was the significance of Shays' Rebellion?
   • Correct answer: It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.
   • Explanation: Shays' Rebellion was a failed tax protest that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, not 1776.
• The Articles of Confederation were a loose alliance of states that shared power and authority, with a weak central government.
• Shays' Rebellion was a failed tax protest that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.
• The Northwest Ordinance established the Northwest Territory and provided for the admission of new states.
• The Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
• The Continental Congress drafted and adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1781.
• Benjamin Franklin was a key drafter of the Articles of Confederation.
• George Washington was a key figure in the Continental Congress and the first president of the United States.
• The Constitutional Convention drafted and ratified the United States Constitution in 1787.
• The Federalist Party advocated for a strong central government, while the Anti-Federalist Party advocated for a weaker central government and more state power.