Articles of Confederation

[Keith Broaders]

Maryland refused to ratify the Articles of Confederation until 1781 because of disputes over western land claims. Maryland, having no western land, feared states with massive territorial claims (like Virginia) would become too powerful and wealthy. They demanded these lands be ceded to the national government for the benefit of all states. 

[Keith Broaders]

Presidents Under the Articles of Confederation (1781–1789):

• • Samuel Huntington (Continued service until July 1781)
  • John Hanson (1781–1782)
  • Elias Boudinot (1782–1783)

• Thomas Mifflin (1783–1784)
• Richard Henry Lee (1784–1785)
• John Hancock (1785–1786)
• Nathaniel Gorham (1786–1787)
• Arthur St. Clair (1787–1788)
• Cyrus Griffin (1788–1789)