The Confederation Era Chapter 8, Section 1

Moving West Settlers such as Daniel Boone explored lands to the west Violent clashes Native vs. Settlers By 1790, 10,000 Americans lived there

New State Governments After the war, each state wanted to establish its own government Wanted the same political system as in colonies More democratic Some had different branches of gov’t Some created a bill of rights All had republican forms of gov’t

The Articles of Confederation National gov’t began to form “United we stand, divided we fall” –Silas Deane Republic form of gov’t Disagreements: One vote vs. Population States or National Gov’t controls new territories

The Articles of Confederation (cont’d) National Government had few powers Run by Confederation Congress Each state only had one vote Power to wage war, make peace, sign treaties, issue money Most important powers to states Set taxes Enforce national laws Control new territories Ratified by all states in 1781

The Northwest Ordinance National gov’t: How do we control new territories? Northwest Ordinance 1787: As population grew – would gain right to self- government 5,000 free males, owned 50 acres of land Meet and create new assembly 60,000 people; create a new state Slavery would be outlawed Set pattern for growth of US

Weaknesses of Articles Debt was big problem for national gov’t Owed a lot of money – especially to soldiers 1783 – surrounded PA courthouse and stuck bayonets through windows Wanted to pay soldiers but could not collect taxes Shay’s Rebellion