Eleanor Finch
Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on January 2, 1788, becoming the first southern state to do so. The state's delegates voted unanimously to ratify the new constitution, which was done in Augusta. Georgia was named after King George II and was first settled by Europeans in 1733. During the war, the state was heavily divided between Loyalists and Patriots, and the British soon held most of the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of ratification | 2nd January 1788 |
| Position in ratification | Fourth state to ratify the Constitution |
| Occupation during the war | British held most of the state |
| Outcome of the war | Many Georgians won over to the Patriot cause |
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What You'll Learn
- Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the Constitution
- Georgia was the first southern state to ratify the Constitution
- Georgia was divided between Loyalists and Patriots during the war
- The British occupation of Savannah won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause
- Some states opposed the Constitution because it didn't protect rights such as freedom of speech
Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the Constitution
Georgia was heavily divided between Loyalists and Patriots during the war, and the British soon held most of the state. Savannah served as a key British base for their southern war operations, and the grim four-year British occupation won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause. Georgia was slower than other colonies to resent the oppressive acts of the Parliament and King George III, perhaps explaining why they were so quick to ratify the Constitution.
The delegates of the people of Georgia met in Augusta to consider the proposed charter. They fully and entirely assented to, ratified and adopted the Constitution, doing so in virtue of the powers and authority given to them by the people of the state.
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Georgia was the first southern state to ratify the Constitution
Georgia was slower than other colonies to resent the oppressive acts of the Parliament and King George III, as it was one of the most prosperous British colonies in America. During the war, Georgia was heavily divided between Loyalists and Patriots, and the British soon held most of the state. Savannah served as a key British base for their southern war operations, and the four-year British occupation won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause.
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Georgia was divided between Loyalists and Patriots during the war
Georgia was heavily divided between Loyalists and Patriots during the war. Savannah served as a key British base for their southern war operations, and the grim four-year British occupation won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause. Georgia was one of the most prosperous British colonies in America and was thus slower than the other colonies to resent the oppressive acts of the Parliament and King George III. However, the British occupation of Savannah and the rest of the state eventually pushed many Georgians towards the Patriots.
In 1788, Georgia became the first southern state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It was the fourth state to do so, following Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The delegates voted unanimously to ratify the new U.S. Constitution.
Some states voiced opposition to the Constitution on the grounds that it did not provide protection for rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. However, the terms of the Massachusetts Compromise reached in February 1788 stipulated that amendments to that effect—what became the Bill of Rights—would be immediately proposed.
Georgia was named after King George II and was first settled by Europeans in 1733. A group of British debtors led by English philanthropist James E. Oglethorpe established Georgia's first permanent settlement—the town of Savannah. In 1742, Oglethorpe defeated the Spanish on St. Simons Island in Georgia, effectively ending Spanish claims to the territory.
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The British occupation of Savannah won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause
Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the US Constitution on 2 January 1788. The state was heavily divided between Loyalists and Patriots during the war, and the British soon held most of the state. Savannah served as a key British base for their southern war operations, and the four-year British occupation won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause. Georgia was rich in export potential and was one of the most prosperous British colonies in America, so it was slower than other colonies to resent the oppressive acts of the Parliament and King George III.
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Some states opposed the Constitution because it didn't protect rights such as freedom of speech
Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, doing so on January 2, 1788. The state's delegates voted unanimously to ratify the new charter, which was subsequently ratified by Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and New Hampshire.
Some states opposed the Constitution because it did not provide protection for rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press. The Anti-Federalists, who were composed of diverse elements, mobilised against the Constitution in state legislatures across the country. They believed that a stronger government threatened the sovereignty and prestige of the states, localities, or individuals. They also saw in the proposed government a new centralised and "monarchic" power in disguise that would replicate the cast-off governance of Great Britain. Others simply feared that the new government threatened their personal liberties.
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Frequently asked questions
Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the Constitution, doing so on January 2, 1788. The state was keen to join the Union, having been the first southern state to ratify the Constitution.
During the war, Georgia was heavily divided between Loyalists and Patriots, and the British soon held most of the state. The grim four-year British occupation won many Georgians over to the Patriot cause.
Georgia's ratification of the Constitution was an important step in the formation of the United States. It also set a precedent for other states to follow, with the constitution subsequently being ratified by Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and New Hampshire.
Georgia called a special convention in Augusta to consider the proposed charter. The delegates voted unanimously to ratify the new Constitution, becoming the fourth state to do so.
Georgia's ratification of the Constitution was significant because it was the first southern state to do so. This helped to unite the country and demonstrated the state's commitment to the Union.
