3.8: Roger Sherman and George Mason: Self-Educated Sages of the Constitutional Convention

Send us a text

The first formal meeting to reassess the Articles of Confederation was held in Annapolis, Maryland in September 1786, at about the same time as Shays’ Rebellion.  Only five states bothered to send any delegates, and there was really only one thing that was accomplished: they decided to try again the following May in Philadelphia.  That one would enjoy better attendance, and produce a much different result: the U.S. Constitution.   Many famous names were counted as attendees, but we intend to focus on the name most closely associated with this deal...and one who favored change, but refused to sign the Constitution.  In this episode of History: Beyond the Textbook, we’ll learn about compromise and dissent at the Constitutional Convention through the lens of two men: Roger Sherman and George Mason, the self-educated Sages of the Philadelphia Convention.

Key People
Roger Sherman
George Mason
Alexander Hamilton
George Washington
Edmund Randolph

Key Events/Ideas
Philadelphia/Constitutional Convention
Annapolis Convention
Great Compromise
Mount Vernon Conference

The third season of History: Beyond the Textbook focuses on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Crucial Years" of 1783-1790, and runs from October 8-December 24. Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," and Season Two, "America's Revolution," wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Feel free to contact us with feedback or questions by clicking the "Send Us a Text" link or email us at: [e-mail]