The Treaty of Paris in 1783 recognizes the United States independence from England and establishes our borders
AFRICAN-AMERICANS in the AMERICAN REVOLUTION Over 5,000 served in the Continental Army Over 20,000 left with the British in 1783
Richard Allen forms the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia after being expelled from his former church by its white congregation. John Chavis fought in the American Revolution and later opened a school in Raleigh. For 32 years he taught white students during the day and Black ones at night Northern states begin to end slavery slowly (often when a slave reached the age of 25) so that it begins to die out. Owners can still sell their slave before the time comes to set tem free (emancipation). Many slave owners in the South emancipate their slaves, adding to the number of free blacks throughout the southern states
Objective: To examine the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. United States of America Articles of Confederation
However, the new country under the Articles of Confederation had troubles: an empty treasury crushing war debt depression economic crisis 5
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? I. Currency Issues (system of money) The United States did not have a common currency. Americans carried money from the federal government, state government, and foreign nations.
Merchants stopped accepting money from outside of their own state, causing a lot of money to become worthless. This caused an increase in inflation.
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? II. Debt Congress could not tax the people and depended on money from the states. Therefore, the U.S. was unable to pay its debts! Examples: - The U.S. owed money to France, Holland, and Spain for loans made during the Revolutionary War. - The U.S. had not paid many of their own soldiers!
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? III. International and Domestic Problems The U.S. lacked the military power to defend itself against Great Britain and Spain. States acted as individual countries and seldom agreed. Example: - Connecticut and Virginia almost went to war over land claims!
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Courts (Judicial Branch) The nation lacked a national court system. No accepted way to settle inter-state disputes. Supreme Court
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? President (Executive Branch) The nation did not have a President, or Chief Executive. Result, the United States cannot make decisions easily and is indecisive. White House
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Congress (Legislative Branch) Congress had one house. (unicameral) Laws were difficult to pass, needing the approval of nine states. All 13 states had to approve a change to the Articles. Capitol Building in Philadelphia Congress was responsible to the states, not the people. Congress had no power to collect taxes, regulate trade, or coin money.
Soldiers of the Colonial Army had been promised back pay and pensions. However, there was no money to pay them for their service. Upon release from the army, soldiers were -- allowed to keep uniforms and their musket, issued one month s pay, awarded worthless government certificates. 13
Massachusetts wanted to pay back war debt in three years by raising property taxes while trade merchants saw little or no change in their taxes. Unpaid taxes led to debtors court and seized property. Meanwhile, judges, lawyers, and merchants made money from the auctioned property. 14
Daniel shays steps in as leader As a Regulator, Shays rallied and organized rebels into these actions in the fall of 1786: They mobbed courthouses in Northampton, Great Barrington, & Worcester to prevent judicial actions; They stormed the courthouse in Northampton to prevent trials & imprisonment of debtors; They attempted to storm the courthouse at Springfield, but a militia sent by the governor stopped them. Finally scattered by the militia and pardoned by the Governor. 15
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Weakness Result No Power to Tax Congress cannot pay debts or raise money No Standing Army cannot keep the peace fear next Shay s Rebellion No Single Currency trade is disrupted No Executive (President) Congress is leaderless No Courts Cannot legally resolve inter-state conflicts States are powerful but uncooperative; the US needs a Federal system with a stronger national government
English Rule Causes are by the British or Colonists Articles of Confederation Powers of the Articles of Confederation The US Constitution Focus on the states