History of the United States (1776–1789)

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== History of the United States (1776–1789) ==

The History of the United States (1776–1789) covers the period from the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to the adoption of the United States Constitution in 1789. This era encompasses the American Revolutionary War, the formation of the Articles of Confederation, and the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.

Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it declared the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain. The declaration articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and asserted their right to self-governance.

American Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain. The war began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and concluded with the Treaty of Paris (1783). Key battles included the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Battle of Saratoga, and the Siege of Yorktown. The war ended with the British recognition of American independence.

Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777 and ratified by the states in 1781. They served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government. The Articles granted limited powers to the Confederation Congress, including the ability to conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, and coin money. However, the lack of a strong central authority led to various problems, including economic instability and difficulties in enforcing laws.

Constitutional Convention

In 1787, the Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Delegates from twelve states (excluding Rhode Island) attended the convention. The result was the drafting of the United States Constitution, which established a stronger federal government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Constitution also included a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Ratification of the Constitution

The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and sent to the states for ratification. The ratification process was contentious, with debates between the Federalists, who supported the Constitution, and the Anti-Federalists, who opposed it. The promise of adding a Bill of Rights helped secure the necessary support for ratification. The Constitution was ratified by the required nine states by June 21, 1788, and went into effect on March 4, 1789.

Related Pages

• American Revolutionary War
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• United States Constitution
• Constitutional Convention (United States)
• Federalist Papers
• Bill of Rights