The Unsung Achievements

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into the often-overlooked accomplishments of the government under the Articles of Confederation, America’s first framework of national governance. It highlights the significant strides made despite the Articles’ limitations, such as achievements in foreign diplomacy and territorial organization. The text details successful treaties, land ordinances, and the foundational steps toward adding new states. Moreover, it acknowledges the resilience and determination of early American governance under challenging conditions.

The worksheet is designed to teach students about the positive aspects and successes of the Articles of Confederation, which are frequently eclipsed by their more commonly discussed weaknesses. It aims to provide a balanced view of this period in American history, showing how the early government navigated foreign relations and territorial expansion. By focusing on these achievements, the worksheet encourages students to appreciate the complexities of early American self-governance. It also sets the stage for understanding how these efforts laid the groundwork for the later adoption of the U.S. Constitution.