Description
John Hanson was a merchant and politician from Maryland. In 1781, as a delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed the Articles of Confederation. In 1781, he was elected as the first President of the Confederation Congress. This was also referred to as President of the United States in the Congress Assembled. At that time both the legislative and executive governments were vested in Congress and the presidency was mostly a ceremonial position. The Articles of Confederation stipulated that presidents of Congress serve one-year terms. A highlight of Hanson’s term was when George Washington presented Cornwallis’s sword to Congress.
The Second Continental Congress, May 10, 1775 – March 1781
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress professed loyalty to the Crown but took steps to preserve its rights. On June 14, 1775, it created the Continental Army and named George Washington as its commander. In July of 1775, it issued the Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms. This was coupled with the Olive Branch Petition, which the king dismissed. In July of 1776, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution asserting independence. In 1777, it drafted the Articles of Confederation, but these were not ratified until 1781. The Articles established the United States as a collection of 13 sovereign states.
The Confederation Congress, 1781-1789
In 1781, the Articles of Confederation established the United States as a collection of 13 sovereign states and served as the country’s first constitution. It was in force from 1781 until 1789 when the current Constitution went into effect. The Articles of Confederation established a league of friendship for the independent states and consisted of a legislative body with no executive or judicial branch. Every state had one vote in the Confederation Congress. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention assembled to redesign the government creating the U.S. Constitution which was ratified in 1789 and is in effect today.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave-safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
