The United States of America was a confederation which united the Thirteen Colonies which had declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. While declaring independence on July 4, 1776, the confederation was not ratified until March 1, 1781. Debates over the future structuring of the confederation ultimately lead to the secession of several states by 1787. The United States of America ceased to exist on March 24, 1788.
The United States of America corresponded to the modern day nations Carolina, Maryland, New England, New Netherland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; and together held claim to territory which now correspond to southwestern Canada.
The United States of America was a confederation made up of 13 states.
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
The Vermont Republic was under dispute with New York, but many historians consider Vermont to have been the 14th state. The Confederation also had claim to the territory north of the Ohio River (known as the Northwestern Territory).
All 13 states became independent nations by March 1788. Some of these states moved closer with neighbors and became larger nations. Today, the successor states of the former United States of America have become the following six nations:
Despite not having been a state, the Vermont Republic had a close relationship with the Confederation (as well as being claimed by two states). The Confederation also had claim to the area that roughly makes up Charlotina.
After independence, Carolina and New Netherland would expand outside the original boundaries of the United States of America — with Carolina expanding into the Floridas and New Netherland outside the continent.