The Confederation Period 1783-89

Congress is virtually bankrupt

The Articles of Confederation are finally ratified by all thirteen states, as Maryland delegates sign

The Articles appear to be facing a problematic future

Treaty of Paris is ratified, officially marking the end of the War of Independence

Thomas Paine's 'The American Crisis' is published, boasting a profound impact on the attitudes and expectations of the colonists post-war

Washington's resignation speech, in which he addresses Congress and emotionally reflects on his time as Head of the Continental Army

Land Ordinance, which outlines a surveying system for the sale of northwest land

At Washington's Mount Vernon estate, Maryland and Virginia delegates quickly reach an agreement on navigational issues, as well as suggesting interstate cooperation on financial and customs policy

John Adams travels to London to demand the evacuation of frontier posts and seek a commercial treaty. His proposals are rejected

Annapolis meeting, proposing that a convention of all the states should be held in Philadelphia in 1787 to redraft the Articles of Confederation.

Debtors are winning political control, with 7 states issuing paper money

Shays' Rebellion

Congress approve a plan to hold a convention in Philadelphia, to revise the Articles of Confederation

The Philadelphia Convention begins

Northwest Ordinance, which establishes a blueprint for incorporating new territories into the United States

Members of the Constitutional convention sign the final draft of the Constitution

The Constitution is ratified

French Revolution

Congress passes two measures aimed at raising revenue, including multiple trade duties ranging from 5%-50% on 30 specific items, as well as the Tonnage Act

Judiciary Act, which establishes a hierarchical system of federal courts

First Bank of the United States is chartered

Washington is elected President, alongside Vice President John Adams