Critical Period 1777-Writing of the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)

1. Critical Period1777-Writing of the Articles of Confederation(1781-1789) The United States has won its independence… now what will she do with it?... What would you do?..Who will be in charge? …Who will make the laws?... How do you choose your leaders?

2. Why is this important? • “A primary object … should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing… than… communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country.” • George Washington

3. Ideas Behind “Good” Government • ENGLISH IDEAS • 1215- Magna Carta <activity> • 1295-Parliament • 1689-English Bill of Rights-Parliament became supreme authority that even the king had to answer to. • ENLIGHTENMENT • John Locke-natural rights as a contract between leaders and people • Baron de Montesquien-argued that executive and legislative must be seperate • AMERICAN IDEAS • New England Town Meetings • House of Burgesses • 1620 Mayflower Compact • Fundamental Orders of Connecticut • New “state” constitutions-guaranteeing safety and freedom and each included a bill of rights. • George Mason’s Virginia Declaration of Rights (humane punishment/ freedom of press/ state militia/ etc.) • Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Relegious Freedom

4. A “Union” of the States • Second Continential Congress (war congress) recommended a permanent national government to “connect” state governments. • Some had reservations-didn’t want to give away state powers • Origins: • June 1776- John Dickenson headed a committee of 13 (each state) • Emphasized that the U.S. is “firm league of friendship” • November 15, 1777 – York, Pennsylvania

6. Articles of Confederation • Ratification by states(all 13-required)-hung up due to western land claims • Maryland upset-states with claims could become big or at least pay off debts more easily…refused to acquiesce • 1780 New York gave up claim-others followed • March 1781- Maryland ratified and the new government began • Powers • Coin / borrow money • Negotiate and ‘make” treaties. • ‘resolve” conflicts between states • “ask” states for $ and soldiers\ • No Executive • No federal courts

7. International Problems • Spain • Suspension of “right of deposit”-until US recognizes Spain’s authority to control the Mississippi River. • June 7, 1787 Thomas Amis-stolen cargo • Spain more willing if US had a military • Great Britain • Trade-closed ports in Caribbean to Americans • Made Americans pay high tariffs. • American exports declined • 1784 -5x unfavorable trade balance • US reached out to other markets (China/France/Netherlands) –limited success • Frontier • Supposed to turn over frontier forts

8. Internal (Domestic) Problems • No power to regulate trade • States started to issue large quantities of paper money –sparked inflation. • Massachusetts did not issue paper money-levied taxes on land instead • Courts made people sell homes • Seve in debtors prison • Sell themselves into indentured servitude • Shay’s Rebellion • 3 western counties armed with farm tools closed courthouses • Daniel Shay, “the seeds of war are now sown, our cause is your’s don’t let us die here” • Springfield-closed CH and attempted to take arsenal • Massachusetts Governor Bowdoin sent 600 militia to put down the revolt. • Also, he asked others for help. • In the end, he pardoned everyone involved in the revolt.

9. Wake Up Call • Washington-appauled • Jefferson, “a little rebellion now and then is a good thing…the tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants” • 1786- Virginia called for a meeting in Annapolis-only 5 attended • Sent an invitation to others for next summer (1787) in Philadelphia • CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION was held in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787. Washington was selected the leader of this gathering.