In September 1783, the United States signed a peace treaty with Great Britain. This event officially ended the Revolutionary War. More importantly, it proclaimed the United States an independent republic.

That republic faced many challenges in its early years. One big problem was its weak central government. It didn't have the power to deal with the country's money troubles or growing tensions among the states. The republic needed more authority to make decisions on behalf of all the states. But could such a government treat its citizens fairly? Representatives from each state met at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to answer that question. What happened next changed US history.

Explore the history of the early republic. Track the important events and turning points in the development of the United States as a nation.