1. The Revolutionary War is over, now what? America was now an independent nation having won the Revolutionary War. America was now an independent nation having won the Revolutionary War. What should our first steps be? What should our first steps be? Do you see any problems that may arise with our newfound independence? Do you see any problems that may arise with our newfound independence?

2. The Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation was the name of the first government of the United States. The Articles of Confederation was the name of the first government of the United States.

3. The Articles of Confederation were weak… on purpose Americans were afraid of a strong national government. After all, they had fought a war over it. So, the government they decided to make would be weak. Americans were afraid of a strong national government. After all, they had fought a war over it. So, the government they decided to make would be weak.

4. So… who had the Power? The national government under the Articles DID NOT have the power to tax OR enforce laws. Only the states could do that. Why? The national government under the Articles DID NOT have the power to tax OR enforce laws. Only the states could do that. Why? The national government DID have the power to declare war and raise an army, BUT… since they couldn’t tax the people, there was no way to pay for that army. The national government DID have the power to declare war and raise an army, BUT… since they couldn’t tax the people, there was no way to pay for that army.

5. So…who had the Power- Cont. The national government could also print money, but the states didn’t have to use it. The states had their own money. The national government could also print money, but the states didn’t have to use it. The states had their own money. Let’s discuss some problems with this. Let’s discuss some problems with this.

6. The Articles of Confederation did have ONE strength: the Settling of Western Lands The Northwest Ordinance assisted in the expansion of the United States, it outlined a plan for applying for statehood to western territories The Northwest Ordinance assisted in the expansion of the United States, it outlined a plan for applying for statehood to western territories 5,000 free males who own 50 acres of land can start their own government 5,000 free males who own 50 acres of land can start their own government Population of 60,000 could become a state Population of 60,000 could become a state

7. Northwest Territory The Northwest Ordinance provides an orderly settlement process in the West. The Northwest Ordinance provides an orderly settlement process in the West. It promised: It promised: a) no slavery a) no slavery b) public education b) public education c)freedom of religion c)freedom of religion d) trial by jury d) trial by jury

8. Weaknesses of the Articles Since the national government COULD NOT tax the people AND our national money was worthless, our debt from the war became a HUGE problem. How do we run a country without money? Since the national government COULD NOT tax the people AND our national money was worthless, our debt from the war became a HUGE problem. How do we run a country without money? Debt = owing money Debt = owing money The biggest problem was that the soldiers who had fought in the war, were never paid! The soldiers were VERY angry. The biggest problem was that the soldiers who had fought in the war, were never paid! The soldiers were VERY angry.

9. A BIG problem arises… Shays’ Rebellion Most of the soldiers were farmers, and they were unable to pay their debts. Most of the soldiers were farmers, and they were unable to pay their debts. Wealthy landowners who invested in the war haven’t been paid by the government either BUT they still want their money. ~Who do they take it from? Wealthy landowners who invested in the war haven’t been paid by the government either BUT they still want their money. ~Who do they take it from? The Farmers! The Farmers! (not smart)

11. Shays’ Rebellion Farmers were taken into court Farmers were taken into court (found guilty), then sent to jail, and their land was taken away from them because they were in debt. In 1786, an armed revolt by farmers against the state (Massachusetts) government took place. In 1786, an armed revolt by farmers against the state (Massachusetts) government took place. The revolt was led by Daniel Shays. The revolt was led by Daniel Shays.

12. The farmers began to forcibly prevent the courts from meeting so they couldn’t take anyone else’s land away or put them in jail. Early in 1787, the Governor sent 4,400 men against the rebels and the rebels were defeated. Shays and the other rebels were pardoned. (An official act of forgiveness)

13. Results of Shays’ Rebellion Shays’ Rebellion showed the leaders of America that the Articles of Confederation were too weak, and a stronger national government was needed.

14. Samuel Adams said what?! “Rebellion against a king may be pardoned, or lightly punished, but the man who dares to rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death” “Rebellion against a king may be pardoned, or lightly punished, but the man who dares to rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death”

15. Thomas Jefferson said what?! "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. God forbid that we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion." "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. God forbid that we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion."