Annapolis Convention (1786) facts for kids
The Annapolis Convention was an important meeting held in Annapolis, Maryland, in September 1786. Delegates from five American states came together. They wanted to talk about trade problems between the states. At that time, America was governed by the Articles of Confederation. This meant each state was almost like its own country. The main government couldn't control trade between them. This caused many issues.
Contents
The Meeting in Annapolis
Why the Meeting Happened
The states were putting taxes on goods from other states. This made it hard for businesses to trade. It was like each state had its own border. The delegates wanted to fix these trade barriers. They met at Mann's Tavern in Annapolis.
What the Delegates Discussed
Most delegates were only allowed to talk about trade. But New Jersey's delegates had broader permission. They could discuss bigger changes. The group quickly realized trade problems were connected to many other issues. These problems went beyond just trade.
The Big Idea from the Convention
The delegates decided they needed a bigger meeting. This new meeting would discuss more than just trade. It would look at how the entire government worked. They wrote a report asking for a new "constitutional convention." This convention would be held in Philadelphia the next May. They hoped more states would send delegates. They also hoped these delegates could discuss wider changes.
What Happened Next
Why a New Meeting Was Needed
Only a few states sent representatives to Annapolis. This meant their power to make big changes was limited. But the need for a stronger government was clear. Several rebellions happened across the country. These showed how unhappy people were. They also showed how weak the government was.
One famous rebellion was Shays' Rebellion. It lasted from August 1786 to February 1787. This event made everyone see the problems clearly. It highlighted that the government under the Articles of Confederation was not strong enough.
The Result: A New Constitution
The Annapolis Convention's report led to a very important event. This was the 1787 Philadelphia Convention. At this meeting, the Constitution of the United States was written. This new Constitution created the strong government we have today.
Delegates Who Attended
These states sent delegates to the Annapolis Convention:
- New York: Egbert Benson and Alexander Hamilton
- New Jersey: Abraham Clark, William Houston, and James Schureman
- Pennsylvania: Tench Coxe
- Delaware: George Read, John Dickinson, and Richard Bassett
- Virginia: Edmund Randolph, James Madison, and St. George Tucker
See also
In Spanish: Convención de Annapolis (1786) para niños
