The Annapolis Convention was a meeting held in Annapolis, Maryland, to address concerns regarding the economic difficulties faced by the states and the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. Delegates from five states—New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia—gathered in September 1786, aiming to discuss the issues of trade regulation and to encourage greater cooperation among the states. Alexander Hamilton, one of the key figures at the convention, recognized the need for a stronger federal structure to promote economic stability and address interstate disputes. He famously proposed that the convention take further action by calling for a larger meeting to discuss and amend the Articles of Confederation, leading to the Philadelphia Convention in 1787.The gathering was marked by a sparse attendance, which highlighted the lack of commitment from many states to address these pressing issues. Nonetheless, the delegates who were present engaged in discussions that underscored the importance of a unified approach to governance and the necessity of addressing the economic fragmentation that arose after the Revolutionary War. The resulting correspondence from the convention laid the groundwork for a more comprehensive convening of state representatives in Philadelphia, ultimately leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution. The Annapolis Convention thus served as a pivotal precursor to this landmark event in American history.