Enlightenment · North America · Politics

1787

Constitutional Convention Opens in Philadelphia

May 25, 1787

Fifty-five delegates met in the Pennsylvania State House under oath of secrecy, windows shut against eavesdroppers in the summer heat. Washington presided; Madison took notes. They had been asked to fix the Articles of Confederation; within days they quietly decided to replace them. The American experiment entered its second draft.

More from 1787 Enlightenment

In context

Also in 1787 (4 other events on record)

U.S. Constitution Signed · North America · Politics
Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade Founded · Europe · Politics
Federalist Papers Begin Publication · North America · Politics
Kansei Reforms Begin in Japan · East Asia · Politics

Before and after in North America

Before: August 29, 1786: Shays's Rebellion
After: June 21, 1788: U.S. Constitution Ratified

Before and after in Politics

Before: August 29, 1786: Shays's Rebellion
After: January 26, 1788: First Fleet Arrives at Botany Bay

Era

Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.