how is the articles of confederation connect to the shay's rebellion and the northwest ordinance of 1787.In 5-7 sentences, explain how one concept relates to the other. Is it a cause-and-effect relationship?

Question

In 5-7 sentences, explain how one concept relates to the other. Is it a cause-and-effect relationship?
Are they part of the same historical event or process? Do they share common characteristics or
themes? Refer back to specific events, individuals, or historical developments to support your
explanation

Answer 1

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, established a weak central government that lacked the power to levy taxes or regulate commerce. This weakness became apparent during Shays' Rebellion in 1786-1787, when discontented Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, protested against economic injustices and aggressive tax collections. The inability of the federal government to respond effectively to the uprising underscored the shortcomings of the Articles and highlighted the need for a stronger national government. This rebellion was a catalyst for the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates sought to address the flaws of the Articles.

In the aftermath, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a framework for the governance and admission of new states, reflecting a more organized and structured approach compared to the decentralization of the Articles. Thus, the relationship between these concepts can be seen as a cause-and-effect sequence; the weaknesses of the Articles led to social unrest, which in turn gave rise to significant reform measures like the Northwest Ordinance. Together, they illustrate the transition from the Articles of Confederation to a more robust federal framework, highlighting themes of governance, societal response to economic distress, and the pursuit of stability in the nascent United States.