In 1785, the United States was still in its early years following the end of the American Revolutionary War. The country was working to establish a stable government and economy, and the Articles of Confederation were in effect, providing a framework for governance. However, these articles proved to be weak, leading to challenges in trade and law enforcement. This year also saw significant developments in science and culture. Notably, Benjamin Franklin conducted experiments with electricity, contributing to the understanding of this natural phenomenon. Additionally, the Northwest Ordinance was passed, setting the stage for the orderly expansion of the United States into new territories.