Final answer:
The historian likely made this observation because the Articles of Confederation gave each state a significant amount of independence and autonomy. The weak central government and lack of enforcement powers led to fourteen semi-independent governments in America after March 1781.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historian likely said that there were fourteen semi-independent governments in America after March 1781 because this was the period during which the Articles of Confederation were in effect. Under the Articles, each state retained a significant amount of independence and autonomy. The central government created by the Articles was weak and had limited powers, which allowed each state to operate almost independently.
For example, the Articles did not establish a strong executive branch or judiciary system, so there was no centralized authority to enforce laws or resolve disputes. Additionally, the Articles required unanimous agreement among all states to make any amendments or changes, which made it difficult for the central government to assert its authority over the states.
As a result, each state in America during this period had its own government and exercised a considerable amount of self-governance. The semi-independent nature of these governments led to the historian's observation of fourteen distinct governing bodies in America after March 1781.
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