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Under the Articles of Confederation, the years

between 1781 and 1787 are often referred to as

the "critical period" because the

(1) colonies were forced to pay high reparations

to England

(2) states were fighting the French and Indian

War

(3) southern states threatened to secede from the

Union over the issue of slavery

(4) central government lacked the power to deal

with major problems

2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

The "critical period" of 1781-1787 under the Articles of Confederation was marked by a weak central government unable to resolve financial and diplomatic issues, which led to Shays's Rebellion and the eventual creation of a stronger federal Constitution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Critical Period Under the Articles of Confederation:

The years between 1781 and 1787 are often referred to as the "critical period" in American history because during this time the central government under the Articles of Confederation was notably ineffective and powerless. Issues such as the inability to resolve public finance problems due to the Revolutionary War, the incapacity to regulate interstate trade or compel states to fulfill financial obligations, and difficulties in foreign relations severely limited the nation's progress.

Shays's Rebellion, a significant event of this period, highlighted the weaknesses of the Confederation. Discontent among farmers in Massachusetts, exacerbated by economic hardship and the potential loss of their lands, led to a revolt, demonstrating the need for a stronger central authority. Ultimately, the Articles were unable to provide the structure necessary for a stable national government, prompting the drafting of a new federal Constitution in 1787.

This critical period emphasized the problems with a decentralized government and set the stage for the creation of a new government system that would result in the United States Constitution we recognize today.

User Farincz
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4 votes

Answer:

Option (3) southern states threatened to secede from the Union over the issue of slavery

Step-by-step explanation:

By the 18th century, the United States faced a number of issues. For example, the slave trade was one of the issues that resulted in the state being brought into turmoil. This was because the United States was already divided into two - the Northern region and the Southern region. The Northern region was the one region that still held to slave trade despite it being abolished. The South, offered slaves freedom. Thus, the movement of he slaves from the North to the South was a major issue. Thus, the war was over the trade as the north though it was suffering due to the decrease in slave labor.

User Michael Deardeuff
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