Map 8.1 Cession of Western Lands, 1782–1802
The thirteen new states found it hard to ratify the Articles of Confederation without settling their conflicting land claims in the West, a vast area occupied by Indian tribes. The five states objecting to the Articles’ silence over western land policy were Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.
> MAP ACTIVITY
READING THE MAP: Which state had the largest claims on western territory?
CONNECTIONS: In what context did the first dispute regarding western lands arise? How was it resolved? Does the map suggest a reason why Pennsylvania, a large state, joined the four much smaller states on this issue?