1. Moving Toward Nationhood
Civics
Chapter 4.3

2. A Clash of Views England Colonies
Believed that the colonists were represented in Parliament
Colonies
Parliament didn’t understand the needs of the colony
Representation was through the colonial legislatures

3. Trade Parliament said colonist could only trade with England
Colonists wanted freedom to sell goods to any country
Even though angry with England, many remain loyal

4. “No Taxation Without Representation”
Colonists supported England against the French (French and Indian War)
Parliament wants taxes to help pay off war debt
Colonists believe in “No taxation without representation” even though they have a representative in Parliament
Parliament angry at colonists, so give colonial governors more power

5. Committees of Correspondence
Organized to pass information & news from one colony to another
Discussed England’s violation of their rights
Eventually, many feel a united front against England is necessary
Congress is formed

6. First Continental Congress
1774 Philadelphia
12 of 13 colonies met
Wanted to convince England to respect colonies rights
Threaten Parliament –will end trade with England
Will meet in one year to discuss improvements with England

7. Second Continental Congress
Situation in America not improving between Britain and colonies
2nd Congress met in 1775 (Philadelphia)
Patrick Henry argued for total separation from Britain, others fearful of separation
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense great influencer
After long discussions, & disagreements, Congress decides to declare independence

8. Thomas Paine Paine wrote the pamphlet, Common Sense
was an English-American political activist, philosopher, author, political theorist and revolutionary
Wrote several influential pamphlets at start of American Revolution, he inspired Patriots in 1776 to declare independence

9. State Constitutions Each state created a constitution
States were spelling out the limits of government
Most included citizen’s rights
Put limits on governors
Most had three branches of government, with legislature having the most power

10. Articles of Confederation
Colonist didn’t want to give power to a central government
Disagreements on representation in Congress
Articles of Confederation (an loose alliance with states) passed in 1777
Called for a national legislature (each state w/equal vote), no executive or judicial branches of government

11. So, most of the power remained with the states.
continued………………….
Articles could:
Declare war
Make treaties with foreign countries
Make trade agreements between states
Articles could not:
Tax
Enforce laws made by the legislative body
So, most of the power remained with the states.

12. Post-War Economy Congress and individual states were in debt
Money borrowed to fund the war
Were unable to pay off debts-no silver or gold to back up printed money
Confidence in American money was at an all time low
Trade was halted with England
Manufactured goods in states cost more than imports from England
U.S. government didn’t have the power to tax goods

13. Shay’s Rebellion Poor economy very hard on farmers
Many go in-debt and because of restrictions from government, they can’t sell in English markets
State legislatures must raise funds, so tax the land to decrease debt
If farmers don’t pay taxes, then land will be sold by local courts

14. continued………………..
Massachusetts farmers rebel against government in 1778
The leader was Daniel Shay so conflict is called Shay’s Rebellion
State militia is called in to stop the rebellion
National government did not have the means to put down local/state rebellions

15. continued……………….
Because of Shay’s Rebellion, many Americans called for a stronger national government
Believed it would keep law and order and help the economy
Realized that Articles of Confederation were too weak
13 United States would make a stronger country