Historical Significance

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was one of the few consequential pieces of legislation passed under the Confederation, before the new government described by the new Constitution took effect. The bill detailed how new territories would be created and administered. Though many settlers would find it too conservative, the bill ensured that territories could eventually become states with the same rights as the original thirteen.

Article III of the ordinance spoke to how the United States would treat the Indian nations that controlled the land settlers wished to take. The nation's leaders wished to acquire Indian land in a way that seemed just.