The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first frame of government for the United States of America, establishing a weak federal government to protect the sovereignty of the states. Adopted by Congress in 1777, the Articles were effective from 1 March 1781 until 4 March 1789, when they were replaced by the current United States Constitution.
More about: Articles of ConfederationDefinition
Timeline
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15 Nov 1777The Second Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation, which are sent to the states for ratification.
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1 Mar 1781The Articles of Confederation take effect.
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Nov 1782 - Jul 1783Alexander Hamilton serves in the Confederation Congress as a delegate from New York, becomes disillusioned with the Articles of Confederation.
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29 Aug 1786 - 27 Feb 1787Shays' Rebellion threatens to topple the state government of Massachusetts, leading American political figures to rethink central government under the Articles of Confederation.
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11 Sep 1786 - 14 Sep 1786The Annapolis Convention recommends that the Articles of Confederation be amended or replaced; their resolution is written by Alexander Hamilton.
