The Annapolis Convention

Definition

The Annapolis Convention was a meeting held in September 1786 in Annapolis, Maryland, aimed at addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and discussing issues related to trade and commerce among the states. Although only a few states attended, the convention ultimately set the stage for the more famous Constitutional Convention of 1787 by highlighting the need for a stronger national government and a revised framework for governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Annapolis Convention took place from September 11 to September 14, 1786, and was attended by representatives from five states: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.
2. Although it was initially focused on trade issues, it quickly became clear that broader reforms were necessary to address the failures of the Articles of Confederation.
3. The convention issued a report that called for a follow-up meeting in Philadelphia to address not just trade but also the structure of the national government.
4. Only 12 delegates attended from five states, which highlighted the lack of participation and urgency felt by many states regarding reform at that time.
5. The ideas discussed at the Annapolis Convention laid the groundwork for discussions at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, leading to significant changes in American governance.

Review Questions

• How did the attendance and outcomes of the Annapolis Convention reflect the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation?
  • The Annapolis Convention had limited attendance, with only representatives from five states present, reflecting widespread apathy or reluctance among many states to engage with the issues facing the nation. The outcomes underscored the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, as delegates quickly recognized that merely addressing trade was insufficient; broader reforms were essential. This sense of urgency contributed to the call for a larger gathering at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
• Evaluate the significance of the Annapolis Convention in leading to the Constitutional Convention and how it shaped debates over federalism.
  • The Annapolis Convention was significant because it highlighted critical weaknesses within the Articles of Confederation and catalyzed discussions about reforming American governance. The convention's call for a subsequent meeting in Philadelphia set into motion a series of events that would lead to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The debates that followed would shape federalism by introducing ideas about a stronger central government while balancing state rights—a central theme during discussions at both conventions.
• Synthesize how events like Shay's Rebellion influenced perceptions at the Annapolis Convention regarding governance and led to calls for change.
  • Events like Shay's Rebellion significantly influenced perceptions at the Annapolis Convention by demonstrating the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of state governments under the Articles of Confederation. The rebellion showcased how economic distress could lead to civil unrest when governments were unable to provide adequate responses or protections. This context fueled discussions among delegates who realized that without substantial changes to governance, similar uprisings could threaten stability. The urgency created by such events made it clear that a new framework was essential, ultimately leading to stronger national governance discussions at both conventions.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first constitution of the United States, which created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government that struggled to address economic and political challenges.

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates from 12 states drafted the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation with a stronger federal government.

Shay's Rebellion:

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices and the inability of the government to respond effectively, illustrating the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.