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.