The United States During the Articles of Confederation

 The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 in Paris, France.  The 3 important parts:  Great Britain agreed to recognize the United States as an independent nation  Great Britain would give up land claims between the Atlantic Coast and Mississippi River and from Canada south to Florida  Americans agreed to return all rights and property that had been taken from loyalists during the war

 The United States was unstable under the Articles of Confederation. States constantly disagreed with one another and the country continued to have problems with other nations.  Before the late 1800’s, “the West” was considered the next area of settlement, as pioneers moved into traditional territories, Native Americans would be pushed further west off of their land.

 Under the Articles of Confederation Congress had no power to meet the needs of westerners. It had no money to force the British from the forts in the North, and was unable to purchase Native American land, or protect the settlers.  Basically Americans claimed land simply by settling the land. This caused many land disputes.

 To provide a more orderly way to settle the land north of the Ohio River, Congress passed the Land of This law would be a money maker for Congress.  The Roman system of rectangular surveying was used, rather than drawing property lines by trees, rock piles, and other natural markers.

 Land was no less than $1 an acre in 640 acre tracks= 1 square mile. These tracts were called sections and money from every 16 th section was to be set aside for public schools. The beginning of federal assistance for education in America.

 There was one problem…..$640 needed to buy a section of land was way to high for most settlers.  Speculation Companies would come in and buy large sections then carve them up, selling less than complete sections for more than $1 an acre. Thus settlers could purchase the acreage, large or small, that they could afford.

 How to govern new territories was the question….. THE PROVISIONS  At least 3 no more than 5 territories could be formed out of this area.  Each territory would have an appointed governor and 3 judges until there was enough settlers to become a state.

 Once the territory had 5,000 white males, it could elect a legislature.  When the territory had 60,000 settlers, the people could write a constitution and apply for statehood.  The government had to be a republic, or one in which representatives are elected to govern the people.  Lastly the territories had to grant freedom of religion, trial by jury for those accused of crimes, and had to outlaw slavery.  From five new states formed: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

 Major problem….under the Articles the national government or Congress had no power to collect taxes. They would have to rely on the states to give them money.  Congress was printing money that couldn’t be backed up with silver or gold.  Each state also printed its own money  No one knew what anything was worth. It caused a lot of confusion and arguing between states.

 The financial situation caused American businesses to decline and unemployment to rise causing an economic depression.  Great Britain passed laws making it difficult for American ships to enter its ports as a result many merchants found themselves in debt and shipbuilding and shipping industries declined.

 During the Revolution food was in high demand. Farmers borrowed money to purchase more land to grow more food.  However after the war farmers grew too much food and couldn’t sell it. Thus they didn’t have the money needed to pay their debts.

 Banks start taking farmers’ land for not repaying their debt. Some in Massachusetts even went to JAIL.  This led to Shays Rebellion…..Farmers, led my Daniel Shays, attacked and closed the courts in two Massachusetts counties.  In response Massachusetts raised a militia to fight Shays' group, the militia was able to stop Shays and his men but this would be an eye opener for America.

 Americans now realized that the United States did not have an effective government.  Many believed it was time to either rewrite or throw out the Articles of Confederation.  The states will call for a CONVENTION to revise the Articles.