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We’re Independent – Now What?

We’re Independent – Now What?. Must set up a new government, but many Americans are very distrustful of a central authority. Economic Issues British surpluses now flooding American markets. Inflation. Speculation and profiteering. The Issue of Western Lands.

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We’re Independent – Now What?

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  1. We’re Independent – Now What? • Must set up a new government, but many Americans are very distrustful of a central authority. • Economic Issues • British surpluses now flooding American markets. • Inflation. • Speculation and profiteering.

  2. The Issue of Western Lands • Some states had huge land holdings beyond the Allegheny Mountains. • Other states had none – they are upset. • States could sell these landholdings to pay off war debt. • All states fought for this land – shouldn’t small states get access to it too? • In order to get Articles of Confederation ratified, states agree to cede their western land holdings to the central government. • To become states later once populated. • Important step in American unity.

  3. The Articles of Confederation • Our first government – 1781-1787 • Confederation of states – loose organization of states • Congress was main branch. • Each state had one vote, regardless of population. • Sovereignty rested with the states • Why?

  4. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

  5. Shays’ Rebellion - 1786 • Western Massachusetts, Daniel Shays • Backcountry farmers revolt • Facing foreclosures on land, cannot pay taxes • Asking for cheap paper money, less taxes & suspension of property takeovers • MA forms small army & crushes revolt • Significance: • Many realize problem of a weak central government. • Fear of “mobocracy”

  6. Strengths of the Articles of Confederation Make treaties, declare war. Establish a postal service. Dealt with Northwest Territory effectively. Historians generally agree that the Articles were an important stepping stone to the Constitution. Why?

  7. Land Ordinance of 1785 • Orderly system for surveying and selling western lands. • Townships – 6 miles square • 36 1-mile sections • Revenue from 1 to be set aside for public schools • Proceeds from land should help pay off national debt.

  8. Northwest Ordinance of 1787 3-5 states to be carved from Northwest territory 60,000 people  territory could apply for statehood. Prohibited slavery Freedom of religion, trial by jury guaranteed

  9. Foreign Policy under Articles • Britain refuses to send a foreign minister. • 1 nation or 13? • Britain restricted American access to their markets. • British forces continued to occupy forts along the Great Lakes. • Articles couldn’t really deal with these issues – • Some wanted tariffs against British goods. • But Congress couldn’t control commerce.

  10. Foreign Policy under the Articles • Spain • Controlled mouth of Miss. River • 1784 – closes river to American commerce • Dispute over territory North of Florida • Issues with Britain and Spain prevent the U.S. from effectively controlling much of its territory. • France • Wanted repayment of war debt. • Restricted trade.

  11. Foreign Policy under Articles • Barbary States – North Africa • Pirates hurting our commerce • We had protection under British, but not we had to take care of ourselves. • We were too weak to fight, too poor to bribe.

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