AIM: Was the Unification of the States into a new nation possible? The Critical Period 1783-1789 AIM: Was the Unification of the States into a new nation possible?

George Washington called the Articles “a rope of sand.” Ben Franklin called the Articles “a horse without a rider” Alexander Hamilton called the Articles “a monster with 13 heads”

I. Achievements of the Articles Won the War: “Treaty of 1783” Kept 13 states united

C. Northwest territory Land Ordinance of 1785: Set aside one section of land for public education

2. Northwest Ordinance 1787 Process for adding states 5 states formed Slavery forbidden Bill of rights

II. Problems of the New Nation Interstate Rivalries: conflicting land claims, tariff wars, boundary disputes Economic Troubles: war debts, unemployment, cheap money, lack of uniform currency, no longer part of British trading empire Political Weakness: no leadership in domestic or foreign affairs

“The Articles of Confederation was a “league”, rather than a “union” of the thirteen states.”

III. Problems of the Articles Legislation Leadership Taxes Raising an Army/navy Problems Trade Making Changes In Government Settling Disputes Money

Shay’s Rebellion

V. Summary “The whole period 1783-1789 is one of gradually increasing ineptitude of the central government under the Articles of Confederation.” Andrew McLouglin

“Freedom from Britain resulted in a surge of activity in all phases of American Life. Government under the Articles of Confederation was the story of a newly freed people who seized upon every means to improve and enrich themselves in a nation which they believed had a golden destiny.” Merrill Jensen