jan 1, 1781 - 6. Critical Period

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*Following America's stunning upset over the British, the colonies entered into what would come to be known as the Critical Period.* The colonies needed a unifying document. The first attempt at a government was the Articles of Confederation. It was more of a "Firm League of Friendship" rather than a unifying document, as the states would have most of the power, while the Federal Government had nearly none. This problem was exposed when Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary war veteran, led an uprising in Massachusetts. Massachusetts tried getting the Federal government to send forces and put down the rebellion, but the government is not powerful enough to respond. Although Massachusetts did eventually put the rebellion down, it was a huge sign that there needed to be a new unifying document.

AP Key Concept 3.2, II

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