AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Challenges of the Articles of Confederation (Day 59/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Challenges of the Articles of Confederation in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Commemorative Stamp, 1977 Wikimedia Commons

Due to recent efforts by the British to assert stricter control over the colonies, the Articles of Confederation intentionally created a limited and weak central government.

The Articles of Confederation, Wikimedia Commons

The federal government had only a legislative body and was denied the powers to regulate commerce and collect taxes. These were explicitly left to the states which led to significant financial difficulties.

North American Borders Proposed by Spain, Wikimedia Commons

Because the United States was unable to pay back debts, Britain and Spain restricted trade and threatened to expand into western lands. Trade between the states was also challenged due to a lack of national currency and worthless paper money.

Shays’ Rebellion, Wikimedia Commons

Many American soldiers had not been paid for their service and were struggling to pay their debts. In 1787, Captain Daniel Shays led an uprising and attempted to seize weapons and burn down Boston. Shays’ Rebellion exposed the significant weaknesses of the Articles.

The inability of the United States under the Articles of Confederation to deal with debt, improve commerce, and prevent civil unrest led to calls for a stronger federal government.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Constitutional Convention & Compromises in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!