1. Moving Toward Nationhood
Chapter 4 Section 3
Moving Toward Nationhood

2. A Clash of Views English View Colonists View Trade Conflict
Parliament represented all English citizens, including the colonists.
Colonists View
Since no colonists served in Parliament, nor could colonists vote for Parliament, English government did not attend to colonial needs.
Trade Conflict
Parliament only allowed the colonists to trade with England.

3. A Clash of Views “No Taxation Without Representation”
Parliament decided to raise money to pay its debts by taxing the colonies.
Enraged many colonists.
Steps Toward Independence
1774: First Continental Congress
1775: Second Continental Congress
1775: Fighting breaks out in Massachusetts
1776:“Common Sense” is published

4. Declaration of Independence
Support for separation of England increased.
Second Continental Congress voted for independence.
Committee appointed to write declaration.
Writers
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.
“...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and institute new Government.”
Signed on July 4th As the American Revolution was being fought.

5. Organizing a New Government
Compact
A written agreement to make and obey laws for the welfare of the group
State Constitutions
During and after the Revolution, each state had its own constitution
The Articles of Confederation
1777: The original compact between the soon to be independent colonies.

6. Organizing A New Government
Outline
Allowed for a national legislature, with each state having one vote.
There was no judicial branch.
Problems
Articles of Confederation needed the ratification or approval of all 13 states.
States differed -a strong central government or strong state governments.

7. A Limping Government Post war Problems with Debt and Trade
Congress borrowed large amt of money to pay for war supplies, couldn’t pay debt back.
Congress unable to regulate trade with England and other English colonies.
Shays Rebellion
1786: Hundreds of angry Massachusetts farmers led by Daniel Shays revolted to show their anger over poor trade conditions.
Exposed a weak American government.

8. Think About It
Why were the states reluctant to give any power to a central government?