The Articles of Confederation took effect on March 1, 1781, during the era commemorated by America250.
Congress finalized the Articles on November 15, 1777, but the document did not become effective until all thirteen states had ratified it. Maryland’s ratification completed that process on March 1, 1781, bringing the first national frame of government formally into force.
The Articles created a “league of friendship” among sovereign states and gave Congress powers over war, diplomacy, and certain national matters. The central government could not directly tax individuals or regulate interstate commerce, weaknesses that later encouraged calls for a stronger federal system.
The Articles remained in force until the Constitution replaced them on March 4, 1789. This timeline helps separate three often-confused dates: drafting in 1777, effectiveness in 1781, and replacement in 1789. Together they show how the government evolved after the 1776 independence milestone.