Final answer:
Maryland and Virginia took the lead in 1785 by organizing a meeting to address issues of trade and money, which led to the Annapolis Convention.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1785, the states that took the lead in calling for a meeting to try to resolve the problems of trade and money were Maryland and Virginia. Leaders from these two states initially met at Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, to discuss issues of mutual concern such as the navigation of the Potomac River. The success of this Mount Vernon meeting inspired Virginia to call for a larger conference in Annapolis, known as the Annapolis Convention, to address broader issues related to commerce and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.