The Articles of Confederation take effect
1781 · Event
Four years after Congress approved them, Maryland's ratification finally brings America's first constitution into force: a 'firm league of friendship' with no executive, no courts and no power to tax. Its weaknesses become the argument for Philadelphia in 1787.
On these timelines: Master, USA, American Revolution
Around 1781
- Haitian Revolution (1791)
- Industrial Revolution (1760)
- Presidency of George Washington (1789)
- Seven Years' War (1756)
- Jacobite rising of 1745 (1745)
- American Revolution (1775)
- Greek War of Independence (1821)
- French Revolution (1789)
- American Declaration of Independence (1776)
- Latin American wars of independence (1808)