1. Declaration of Independence:
- The Continental Congress, operating under the Articles of Confederation, adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule.
2. Treaties and Diplomacy:
- The government negotiated and signed treaties with foreign nations, including the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the United States as an independent country.
3. Northwest Ordinance of 1787:
- The government enacted the Northwest Ordinance, which established a system for governing and admitting new states from the territories west of the Appalachian Mountains. This laid the foundation for future westward expansion.
4. Land Ordinance of 1785:
- The government adopted the Land Ordinance of 1785, which created a standardized system for surveying and selling public land in the western territories.
5. Establishment of Executive Departments:
- The government created executive departments, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War, and Finance, to handle various administrative functions.
6. Coinage and Currency:
- The government established a national mint and created a system for issuing coinage, allowing for a standardized currency in the country.
7. Postal Service:
- The government established a national postal service, facilitating communication and mail delivery across the new nation.
8. Indian Affairs and Treaties:
- The government negotiated treaties with Native American tribes, aiming to establish peaceful relations and regulate land acquisition and settlement in the western frontiers.
9. Ratification Process for the Constitution:
- The Articles of Confederation provided the framework for ratifying a new constitution, which eventually led to the adoption of the United States Constitution in 1789.
While there were limitations and challenges under the Articles of Confederation, the achievements during this period were critical in laying the groundwork for a stronger, more centralized federal government under the subsequent US Constitution.