Confederation to Constitution

Theme throughout timeline.

Jan 1, 1781

The founding fathers believed the states should have more power than the federal govt. because of the govt. they just overthrew.The Articles of Confederation was ratified in 1781.Soon the govt. realized the federal govt. needed more power.The Articles lacked the power to govern the people well.Since there was no real govt. power, rebellions arose nationwide.The nation's leaders proposed a constitution.This constitution would give the federal govt. more power w/o eliminating all state power.

Articles of Confederation Ratified

Mar 1, 1781

The ratification of the AOC was significant because it expressed the fears of early American leaders and citizens, that a federal govt. could become corrupt.

End of the American Revolutionary War

Apr 12, 1783

Ended through the Treaty of Paris 1783 This was significant because it broke the American colony away from Great Britain.

Newburgh Conspiracy and Pennsylvania Riots

Nov 16, 1783

These events were significant because they showed how weak the AOC was when it came to governing citizens.

Daniel Shay's Rebellion

Oct 1, 1786

This was another example of how little power the AOC really had.

Annapolis Convention

Dec 24, 1786

This is significant because it started the movement towards the ratification of the Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance

Jan 3, 1787

This was one of the few successes under the AOC.

Congress unable to protect manufacturing and shipping

Aug 8, 1787

Another example of how little the AOC had control over.

New Presidental Election

Feb 12, 1789

Under the new president the AOC would be replaced by the Constitution. This showed the new power of the federal govt.

The constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation

Mar 30, 1789

Gave the federal government more power in order to govern the nation better.

Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the Constitution

Mar 1, 1790

This was the final step in making the Constitution the supreme law of the land.

United States' Bill Of Rights was added to the Constitution

Jul 17, 1791

This gave new liberties to the citizens of the US under the newly ratified constitution.

First Bank of the United States charted

Dec 30, 1791

The first bank of the US was a plan to boost American economics through Nationalists beliefs therefore starting the National Era.