Lesson 28 of 84 · American Revolution
⭐ 30 XP🏰 History KeepThe Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781.
🎯 Your mission
Figure out how this changed the world.
⚡ The twist
History is written by the winners — keep asking what's missing.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Oxford University is older than the Aztec Empire.
Then & Now
🕰️ This still shapes laws, borders, and even your school today.
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. This document established a weak central government that struggled to govern effectively, as it lacked the power to tax and regulate trade. States retained most of the power, leading to conflicts and economic problems. Ultimately, the limitations of the Articles prompted the need for a stronger federal government, which led to the drafting of the United States Constitution in 1787.
Key Facts
The Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781.
The central government could not tax or regulate trade.
The weaknesses of the Articles led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Timeline
Martin Luther King Jr. gives the 'I Have a Dream' speech
The Civil Rights Act is signed
Astronauts land on the Moon
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What year were the Articles of Confederation ratified?
Why this still matters
Every road sign, every flag, every holiday — there's history hiding inside.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Find one historical photo that shocked you. Tell someone about it.
For the dinner table
“What's something from history you wish you could see in person?”
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