The Early Republic

The Early Republic

Political Situation 1781-7 

The Articles of Confederation:

National gov was weak. There was no visible head which meant they commanded no respect abroad, there was no fixed abode and attendance at sesions was light. Confed gov had no coercive power over the states and nce indepenence was achieved there was no need for unity between the states.

America gained a lot of land south of the great lakes in the TOP which saw a flood of pioneers into the trans-Appalachian region. Areas like Kentucky and Tennessee developed, politicians feared they would declare independence.

1785 Land Oridnance divided western land int six mile2 townships which were split into 6 sections, 4 for ex soldiers, 1 for maintenance of schools and the other for auctioning. This was a quick and certain means of setting ut lines which avoided potential land disputes.

1787 Northwest Ordinance, in initial phase new territories have a governor and judges appointed by congress, 5000 adut white males could elect  a legislature, population reached 60,000 it could apply to congress for admission as a state.

TOP, B prmised to leave American frontier posts but didn't bc they wanted to maintain their fur trade and contact with northwest native Americans, used failure to repay pre war debt as an excuse as well as failure to restore loyalist property. John Adams went to London to demand evacuation of frontier posts and a commercial treaty but was rebuffed. B was unwilling since Congress couldn't compel the states to implement its treaties.

1784 Spain seized Natchez on the eastern bank of the mississippi closing the river to American navigation depriving western settlers of a vital outet for their goods. Leaders feaed settlers in K and T might change allegiance to Spain. 1786, John Jay initiated a treaty with Spain, in return for limited access to Spanish markets, Americans wouldn't use the M river for 25 years. 5 states opposed. Westerners were furious at Jay's willingness to sacrifice their interests to those of Eastern merchants.

Suffering from war debt, between '84 and '86 they imported £7.5 million of goods and sold 1/3 in return, flow of specie outside the country to meet the trade deficit depressed trade and slowed economic recovery. Control over trade was up to individual states. Proposals to amend the articles caused intersectional rivalry, NE and middle colonies wanted tariffs against British competition while Southern states wanted free trade.

Debt was $82 million plus $2.4 million per year in interest, gov were unable to pay soldiers. Problems of Creditors versus debtors.

MA gov increased taxes, farmers couldn't pay them so lost land or were imprisoned. Jan '87 Shays led 100s of armed men to the federal arsenal at Springfield, rebels were dispersed by 1000 militiamen.

Demand For Stronger National Government

Nationalism was gowing, the war produced national heroes and shrines like GW and Bunker Hill, the struggle for independence inceased the sense of being American. Inspired political leaders like H and JM who wanted a unified republic with…