By 1786, the new United States was starting to fall apart. Was there a way to keep the country together, despite its limited government?
Washington Resigns from the Military
At the end of the American Revolution, George Washington stepped down as Commander of the Continental Army, paving the way for a new government.
Resignation
Shay's Rebellion
Western farmers were beginning to lose their lands and livelihoods as the United States struggled to control their debts. With no resolution in sight, the farmers turned to violence.
The Rebellion
The Constitutional Convention
It was clear that the government under the Articles of Confederation wasn't working - something had to be done to save the new nation, and quickly.
The Secret MeetingInteractive Tool
The Newburgh Conspiracy
Soldiers weren't getting paid for their time in the Revolution and were on the verge of mutiny. Could Washington talk them down?
King Washington
Why didn't Washington want to be king? Watch this short video to learn more
Why did the new United States originally have a weak national government?
Primary Source: the Treaty of Paris
The Revolutionary War ended with the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in 1783 by France, Great Britain, Spain, and of course - the new United States
Primary Source: the Articles of Confederation
In 1781, Congress officially passed the Articles of Confederation. This gave the United States a relatively weak national government.
The American Economy
The American economy was falling apart by the mid-1780s, sparking rebellions, debt crises, and civil unrest. Click the link to learn more about why the economy was failing, and what needed to be done about it.
Civic Virtue
After the war, Washington stepped down from power, eager to relax at Mount Vernon. But as the nation struggled, he recognized the importance of civic virtue. Watch this short video to learn more.
More on the 1780s
Click the links to learn more about the events leading up to the Constitution
Watch A More Perfect Union
Learn how the Constitution was created with this 15 minute film!
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