0306 Influences on the US Constitution
The Constitution was the product of political compromise after long debates over issues such as states’ rights, representation, and slavery. James Madison, who was considered by many as the Constitution’s principal architect, proposed to Congress a slate of amendments for adoption during Congress’s first session. Congress ultimately adopted ten amendments to the original Constitution, which […]
0305 Constitutional Convention (1787)
From May 25 to September 17, 1787, 55 delegates from 12 states convened in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. Rhode Island was the only state that refused to send representatives to the convention. This is to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation. George Washington was elected […]
0304 Shays’ Rebellion (1786)
Shays’ Rebellion was a series of violent attacks on courthouses and other government properties in Massachusetts that began in 1786 and led to a full-blown military confrontation in 1787. The rebels were mostly ex-Revolutionary War soldiers-turned farmers who opposed state economic policies causing poverty and property foreclosures.
0303 Northwest & Land Ordinances (1785)
On this day in 1787, Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance, structuring the settlement of the Northwest Territory and creating a policy for the addition of new states to the nation. The members of Congress knew that if their new confederation were to survive intact, it had to resolve the states’ competing claims to western territory.
0302 Articles of Confederation (1781)
The Articles of Confederation was one of the first written constitutions of the United States. The states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes. Congress was given the authority to make treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces, and coin money. The Articles of Confederation named the new […]
0301 Constitution Unit Overview
0218 UNIT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
0217 Revolution Unit Assessment
0216 Revolution Unit Review
0215 American Victory (1783)
British and American negotiators in Paris signed preliminary peace terms in Paris late that November, and on September 3, 1783, Great Britain formally recognized the independence of the United States in the Treaty of Paris. At the same time, Britain signed separate peace treaties with France and Spain (which had entered the conflict in 1779), […]
