Which state pledged the sale of its western lands for the common benefit as part of the Articles of Confederation?

The correct answer is New York. As part of the Articles of Confederation, New York and several other states pledged to cede their western lands to the federal government for the common benefit of all states once the national government was established. This act was crucial in addressing land disputes and ensuring that the revenues from these territories would help the nation, particularly in paying off war debts and maintaining the central government.

New York's agreement was significant because many states held claims to western territories, and without this cession, there would have been potential conflicts between states over land ownership. The resolution of these issues contributed to the unification of the states under a common governance structure and paved the way for the Northwest Ordinance, which set a framework for the orderly expansion of the United States.

Virginia, while it held extensive land claims, did ultimately cede its western territories, but New York was the first to do so as part of the framework established by the Articles of Confederation. Thus, the establishment of such agreements among the states ultimately fostered cooperation and helped to stabilize the early United States.