THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE FEDERATION ERA: 1781-1789

The assertion that American leaders struggled to create a new government and their first
attempt was the Articles of Confederation is accurate. The Articles of Confederation served
as the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781 and in effect until 1789. While
the Confederation era had its share of challenges, there were some accomplishments during
this period. Here are a few key accomplishments of the Confederation era:

1. Independence and Treaty of Paris: The Confederation era saw the successful
conclusion of the American Revolutionary War, leading to the recognition of American
independence by Great Britain in the Treaty of Paris of 1783. This accomplishment
solidified the United States' status as a sovereign nation. The Confederation era marked
the culmination of the American Revolutionary War, which began in 1775 with the
Battles of Lexington and Concord. Throughout the war, American colonies fought against
British forces to secure their independence and establish a self-governing nation.

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, provided a loose framework for the newly
formed United States of America during this crucial period. Despite its weaknesses, the
Confederation government played a role in achieving independence and negotiating the
Treaty of Paris of 1783.

The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, between the United States and Great
Britain. It formally recognized the United States as an independent nation and brought an end
to the Revolutionary War. The treaty established the boundaries of the United States,
stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, and from the Great Lakes to
Florida.

Through the Treaty of Paris, Britain agreed to withdraw its troops from American soil and
relinquish control over its former colonies. It also resolved issues related to war debts,
property rights, and the treatment of Loyalists who had remained loyal to the British crown
during the conflict.

By securing recognition of independence and establishing its territorial boundaries, the

United States achieved a critical milestone in its nation-building process during the
Confederation era. The Treaty of Paris laid the foundation for the United States to establish
itself as a sovereign nation and to begin the challenging task of governing itself under the
Articles of Confederation.

2. Land Ordinance of 1785: The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a significant

accomplishment during the Confederation era. It established a systematic process for
surveying and selling western lands that had been acquired by the United States through
various means, including the Treaty of Paris.

Under the Land Ordinance, the western territories were divided into townships, which were
then further divided into sections. Each township consisted of 36 sections, with one section
reserved for public education. This grid system facilitated the organization and efficient
distribution of land.

The Land Ordinance also mandated that land be sold in sections of one square mile, or 640
acres. This standardized approach ensured consistency and fairness in land sales, making it
accessible to a wide range of settlers. The proceeds from the sale of these lands were intended
to pay off the national debt incurred during the Revolutionary War.

By establishing a clear process for surveying and selling western lands, the Land Ordinance
of 1785 laid the groundwork for westward expansion and the orderly settlement of the
frontier. It allowed individuals and families to acquire land and pursue economic
opportunities in the newly acquired territories, contributing to the growth and development of
the United States.

Moreover, the Land Ordinance of 1785 set a precedent for subsequent land policies. It
influenced later legislation, such as the Homestead Act of 1862, which provided opportunities
for settlers to acquire land in the western territories by fulfilling certain requirements, such as
cultivating the land and improving it.

3. Northwest Ordinance of 1787: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a significant

accomplishment during the Confederation era. It provided a framework for the
governance and admission of new states from the Northwest Territory, an area
encompassing the present-day states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The Northwest Ordinance consisted of several important provisions:

 Territorial Organization: The ordinance outlined a process for establishing

territorial governments in the Northwest Territory. It defined the stages of territorial
development, from initial settlement to eventual statehood.
 Civil Rights: The Northwest Ordinance included a Bill of Rights for the inhabitants
of the territory, guaranteeing certain civil liberties, such as freedom of religion, trial
by jury, and protection of private property. This provision reflected a commitment to
individual rights and liberty.
 Prohibition of Slavery: One of the most significant aspects of the Northwest
Ordinance was its prohibition of slavery in the Northwest Territory. It declared that
"there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude" in the region. This
prohibition demonstrated a commitment to limiting the spread of slavery in the
expanding nation.
 Statehood Admission: The ordinance outlined a process for the admission of new
states from the Northwest Territory into the Union. It established criteria for
population, governance, and the drafting of state constitutions.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 had lasting implications for the future of the United States.
It provided a blueprint for the expansion of the country, as other territories adopted similar
provisions when seeking statehood. The prohibition of slavery in the Northwest Territory set
a precedent and influenced later debates over the expansion of slavery in the United States.

Moreover, the Northwest Ordinance's emphasis on individual rights and self-government

helped shape the principles of American democracy. It laid the foundation for the governance
and admission of new states, promoting the idea of equal representation and popular
sovereignty.

4. Diplomatic Achievements: Despite the weaknesses of the Confederation government,

American diplomats were able to secure important diplomatic agreements during this
 period. One notable example is the Jay Treaty of 1794, negotiated under the
Confederation government.

The Jay Treaty was negotiated by John Jay, the Chief Justice of the United States, and aimed
to address several issues of contention between the United States and Great Britain that had
persisted since the end of the Revolutionary War. Some of the key provisions of the treaty
included:

 Trade Relations: The Jay Treaty sought to improve trade relations between the
United States and Great Britain. It addressed issues such as British seizure of
American ships and the disruption of American trade. The treaty established
provisions for fair trade and provided for the resolution of outstanding trade disputes.
 Evacuation of British Troops: The treaty called for the complete withdrawal of
British troops from forts in the Northwest Territory, which had been occupied by
British forces despite the terms of the Treaty of Paris. This was a significant
achievement as it secured the sovereignty of the United States over its western
territories.
 Resolution of Outstanding Debts: The Jay Treaty established a commission to
resolve financial claims and unpaid debts between the United States and Great
Britain. This helped to address the economic issues stemming from the Revolutionary
War and provided a framework for resolving disputes.

While the Jay Treaty was not universally acclaimed and faced criticism from some factions
within the United States, it represented a significant diplomatic achievement during the
Confederation era. It helped to mitigate tensions between the United States and Great Britain,
reduce the potential for armed conflict, and pave the way for improved relations.

Furthermore, the negotiation and successful ratification of the Jay Treaty demonstrated that
even under a weak central government, American diplomats were able to engage in
diplomatic negotiations and secure agreements with foreign nations. It highlighted the
importance of diplomacy in protecting American interests and fostering international
relations.

5. Financial Stability: During the Confederation era, the United States faced significant
economic challenges. However, efforts were made to establish financial stability despite
the limitations of the Confederation government. Here are some key aspects related to
financial stability during this period:

 National Currency: The Confederation Congress took steps to address the need for a
unified currency. In 1785, it established the U.S. dollar as the official currency of the
United States. The adoption of a national currency helped to promote economic
stability and facilitate trade within the country.
 War Debt Repayment: The Confederation government recognized the importance of
addressing the war debt incurred during the Revolutionary War. It implemented a plan
to repay the debt by issuing securities and negotiating loan agreements. While the
process of debt repayment was challenging and often met with resistance, efforts were
made to fulfil the financial obligations of the new nation.
 Revenue Collection: The Confederation government faced significant limitations in
terms of its ability to levy taxes. Under the Articles of Confederation, it relied heavily
on requisitions from the states to fund its operations. However, the inability to
 effectively collect revenue hampered the government's financial stability and its
ability to meet its obligations.
 Economic Challenges: Despite efforts to stabilize the economy, the Confederation
era was marked by economic difficulties. The war debt, coupled with limited
resources and trade disruptions, led to inflation, currency depreciation, and economic
instability in some regions.

It is important to note that the economic challenges and financial instability during the
Confederation era played a role in highlighting the need for a stronger central government.
These difficulties, along with other factors, ultimately led to the call for the Constitutional
Convention in 1787 and the subsequent drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

While the Confederation government made efforts to establish financial stability, the
limitations of its authority and the lack of effective revenue collection mechanisms hindered
its ability to fully address the economic challenges of the time. The experiences during this
period underscored the importance of a stronger federal government with greater fiscal
powers, which was eventually realized with the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

6. Preserving the Spirit of Revolution: The Confederation era played a significant role in
preserving the spirit of the American Revolution and shaping the principles that would
guide the future United States. Here are some key aspects related to the preservation of
the revolutionary spirit during this period:

 Republican Ideals: The Confederation era witnessed a continued commitment to

republican ideals, emphasizing the principles of self-government, individual rights,
and limited government. The experience of the weak central government under the
Articles of Confederation highlighted the importance of balancing governmental
power and protecting individual liberties.
 Experimentation with Governance: The Confederation government provided an
opportunity for the United States to experiment with different forms of governance. It
allowed the states to come together and navigate the challenges of forming a new
nation while preserving their individual sovereignty. This period allowed for the
testing of various governmental structures and the identification of strengths and
weaknesses.
 Lessons for Constitutional Development: The limitations and shortcomings of the
Confederation government during this era provided valuable lessons that influenced
the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The weaknesses, such as the inability to levy
taxes, regulate commerce, and maintain a strong military, highlighted the need for a
more centralized and robust federal system. The experiences of the Confederation era
informed the discussions and debates that ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S.
Constitution in 1787.
 Commitment to Independence: The Confederation era solidified the commitment to
maintaining independence and sovereignty as a nation. Despite the challenges faced
during this period, American leaders and citizens remained determined to safeguard
the hard-fought independence gained through the Revolutionary War. This
commitment laid the foundation for the creation of a stronger central government that
would better serve the interests of the nation.

Overall, the Confederation era played a crucial role in preserving the spirit of revolution and
shaping the principles that would guide the future United States. The experience of the weak
central government under the Articles of Confederation highlighted the need for a stronger
and more effective federal system, while reinforcing the commitment to republican ideals,
individual rights, and the preservation of independence. These lessons learned during the
Confederation era served as important influences in the development of the U.S. Constitution
and the formation of the American government that followed.