2. Historical development: The Northwest Ordinance

Historical developments and consequences

The ordinance established a path to statehood north of the Ohio River and prohibited slavery in that territory, while permitting existing slaveholding interests elsewhere.

The measure shaped territorial government and education policy but accelerated settler claims against Indigenous homelands.

Original historical article · Authorities & decisions

The Confederation Congress adopted the Northwest Ordinance in July 1787. It established a territorial government and a process for admitting states, and barred slavery in the Northwest Territory.