Unit 3 Lesson 7: Georgia Under the Confederation Government

Question

The Articles of Confederation
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
State Leaders Georgia's residents, Indigenous Groups Continental Congress:

What happened? Summarize the event!
Confederation Government in Georgia involved the state's governance under the Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government that struggled to address economic issues
Where did the event take place?
in the state of Georgia, particularly in its capital at the time, Savannah
When did the event take place?

Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?

Answer 1

Unit 3 Lesson 7: Georgia Under the Confederation Government

Who Was Involved?

1. State Leaders: Governors and state legislators in Georgia, such as Governor Edward Telfair, who were responsible for implementing the policies of the Confederation and navigating the challenges it presented.

2. Georgia's Residents: The citizens of Georgia, including farmers and merchants, who were affected by economic hardships due to a lack of strong central governance and ineffective debt relief measures.

3. Indigenous Groups: Native American tribes in Georgia, such as the Creek and Cherokee, who were affected by the expansionist policies of the state and had their land rights and sovereignty threatened during this period.

4. Continental Congress: The assembly responsible for establishing the Articles of Confederation, which laid the groundwork for Georgia’s governance but was viewed as ineffective in dealing with local and interstate issues.

What Happened?

The Confederation Government in Georgia operated under the Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government. This governance struggled to address significant economic issues, including insufficient revenue, inflation, and trade difficulties. The inability to create a stable economic environment led to unrest, with many residents experiencing hardship due to mounting debts. Additionally, there were ongoing conflicts with Indigenous groups over land rights, exacerbating tensions in the region.

Where Did the Event Take Place?

The events surrounding the Confederation Government occurred primarily in the state of Georgia, with significant activities and decisions being made in its capital at the time, Savannah.

When Did the Event Take Place?

This event transpired during the period following the American Revolutionary War, specifically from 1781 (when the Articles of Confederation were ratified) until around 1789 (when the new Constitution was adopted), with particular significance for Georgia in the mid-1780s.

Why Is This Event Important to Georgia's History?

This period under the Confederation is crucial to Georgia's history as it highlights the challenges of self-governance and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. It underscores the state's struggles with economic instability, the need for effective governance, and the complexities of relations with Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, the experience of Georgia during this time contributed to the larger narrative of the formation of a more robust federal government, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. It reveals the pivotal role that local contexts played in shaping national policy and governance structures in the early years of the United States.