Creating the United States

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Washington Voices Doubts About a “general Convention”

Washington Voices Doubts About a "general Convention" (050.03.00)

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In early 1786 George Washington (1732–1799) recognized that the Articles of Confederation needed to be revised, but he still harbored doubts about calling a “general Convention.” Despite his fears that a bad solution or a failed attempt to change the Articles might worsen America’s economic and political conditions, Washington believed that “something must be done, or the fabrick must fall.”

(Transcription)

“I scarcely know what opinion to entertain of a general Convention . . .”


In early 1786 George Washington (1732–1799) recognized that the Articles of Confederation needed to be revised, but he still harbored doubts about calling a “general Convention.” Despite his fears that a bad solution or a failed attempt to change the Articles might worsen America’s economic and political conditions, Washington believed that “something must be done, or the fabrick must fall.”