What event prompted the calling of the Philadelphia Convention?

The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was prompted by the Annapolis Convention. This earlier gathering, which took place in 1786, was convened to address the issues of trade and interstate commerce among the states. The limited attendance at the Annapolis Convention highlighted the need for a more robust approach to the problems facing the young nation, including economic instability and the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation.

After the Annapolis Convention, it became evident that a convention with broader participation was necessary to discuss not only trade but also the governance of the United States as a whole. This realization led to the calling of the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, where the delegates ultimately drafted the United States Constitution to create a stronger federal government.

While Shay's Rebellion was a critical event that raised concerns about civil disorder and the limitations of state governance, it occurred after the Annapolis Convention and thus did not directly prompt the calling of the Philadelphia Convention. The Boston Tea Party and the signing of the Magna Carta are historically significant events but are not directly related to the circumstances that led to the Philadelphia Convention.