The Articles of Confederation - A Union Without Power

Explore the complexities of the Articles of Confederation in this 47-minute lecture from Yale University's American Revolution course. Delve into the historical context that shaped this first attempt at national governance by a people wary of centralized power. Examine key issues that complicated the Articles' drafting, including war debt division, western territory sales, and state representation. Analyze the immediate effects and weaknesses of the Confederation, including frail foreign relations and a weak Congress. Investigate how events like Shays' Rebellion and the Newburgh Conspiracy influenced thoughts on stronger national government. Conclude by considering the debates surrounding the formation of a national constitution. Gain insights into this crucial period of American history through Professor Freeman's comprehensive examination of the Articles of Confederation and their impact on early American governance.

- Chapter 1. Introduction: A Union Without Power
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- Chapter 2. Representation, Taxation, Western Lands: Debates on the Articles of Confederation
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- Chapter 3. The Immediate Effects of the Articles
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- Chapter 4. Frail Foreign Relations, Weak Congress, Splitting States: Weaknesses in the Confederation in the 1780s
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- Chapter 5. Shays' Rebellion and Newbough Conspiracy: Their Impacts on Thoughts for a Stronger, National Government
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- Chapter 6. How Can the States be United? Debates on the National Constitution
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