Shays' Rebellion, Articles of Confederation, and Constitutional Convention

What economic crisis occurred in Massachusetts in 1786?

Farmers suffered from high debt, leading to Shay's Rebellion.

Who led Shay's Rebellion?

Daniel Shays, a former soldier from the Continental Army.

What was the response of Massachusetts Governor James Bowdoin to Shay's Rebellion?

He organized an army to crush the rebellion.

What did Shay's Rebellion highlight about post-revolutionary America?

It highlighted the conflicts and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

What was the purpose of the Virginia legislature's meeting during Shay's Rebellion?

To discuss economic policy and propose revisions to the Articles of Confederation.

What was the Treaty of Paris?

It was an agreement that ended the Revolutionary War and defined territorial claims in North America.

What were the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

It lacked the power to tax, regulate commerce, and enforce laws.

What were the two significant laws passed under the Articles of Confederation?

The Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance.

What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 establish?

It allowed states to sell square miles of land to pay off debts and set aside land for schools.

What did the Northwest Ordinance establish?

It created a process for territories to become states and set guidelines for governance.

What was a major consequence of Shay's Rebellion?

It nearly led to civil war in Massachusetts and prompted calls for a stronger national government.

What was the Articles of Confederation?

The first Constitution of the United States, drafted and passed by Congress in 1777.

What powers did the Articles of Confederation grant to Congress?

Diplomacy, printing money, resolving conflicts, and coordinating war efforts.

What was a significant limitation of the Articles of Confederation?

Congress could not enforce laws or raise revenue through taxation.

Who was Robert Morris and what did he do?

He was the Superintendent of Finance who helped resolve the financial crisis by securing privileges for the Bank of North America.

What was the outcome of the Philadelphia Convention?

It led to the drafting of a new Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Who were some key figures at the Philadelphia Convention?

Ben Franklin, George Washington, Robert Morris, and James Madison.

What was the Virginia Plan?

A proposal to create a strong central government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

What was the significance of the secrecy vow taken at the Philadelphia Convention?

It ensured that discussions and debates were kept confidential until after the convention.

What was the main goal of the Philadelphia Convention?

To address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger national government.

What was the outcome of the Articles of Confederation in terms of governance?

They created a loose confederation that ultimately proved ineffective in governing the nation.

What was the central failure of Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

Its inability to impose taxes on states, leading to financial instability.

What was one of the most outstanding accomplishments of the first government under the Articles of Confederation?

The establishment of a policy for western land.