Life After the American Revolution War

Looking at the Big PICTURE

The leaders of the NEW U.S. work to define the powers of the government.

The Big PictureBritain does not

respect America and ignored Treaty of Paris 1873

Continental Congress is in charge

States afraid of giving too much power to a single ruler b/c of their experience with Britain- state gov’t

States are sovereign and operate like small countries

U.S. is in debt after the war-

Problems with Britain(#1 haters) and Spain

U.S. Gov’t is

super weak!!

What’s Really Happening??Each state

created their own constitutions- led by governor; Rhode Island was reluctant but finally agreed.

Pennsylvania had no governor but 12 council members

Most states established. a two-house, or bicameral, legislature to prevent abuse of power and keep power in hands of ppl.

Must be 21, white male, pay taxes and own property to vote.

What’s Really Happening??A republic was

formed- most liked a weak central gov’t

States could not agree on the organization or the powers of the new gov’t

1780’s all states gave up land west of Appalachians except Georgia

The Confederation gov’t could conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, borrow money and issue currency

NW Ordinance of 1787

What’s Really Happening??

American money depreciated◦ The war left the

US in serious debt

Robert Morris Import Tax- wanted to tax 5% on imported goods

It did not pass

What’s Really Going on??Issues with Brits

◦ Not respect treaty◦ Not withdraw

troops from land◦ Block trade with

West Indies and other British markets

◦ Brits wanted loyalists to be paid for property that was taken during the war

Issues with Spain◦ Claimed Florida

and land west of Mississippi River

◦ Halted American expansion into territory it claimed

◦ Closed lower Mississippi River

VocabularyConstitution- a plan of

governmentBicameral- a two- house

legislatureRepublic- a gov’t in which

citizens rule thru elected representatives

Ordinance- a lawDepreciate- to fall in value