The cooperation that existed among the States during their struggle for Independence began to evaporate as the euphoria over victory dissipated. Independence had been won, but it did not meld thirteen independent states into one; it solidified their individual independence. The Continental Congress had to find ways to pay off the costs of the War under the framework created under the Articles of Confederation, implement the Peace Treaty, treat with foreign nations, and deal with constantly emerging conflicts and civil unrest within and among the newly liberated states. The Articles, however, did not provide a mechanism for dealing effectively with foreign trade, nor was there any mechanism for enforcing compliance with the treaty of peace. It became apparent to Congressional and state leaders alike that some form of national government that could exercise power over national issues was necessary if the country was to survive. So, a call went out for a convention of delegates to meet...