Forming a New Nation 1781 -1815 Setting

Forming a New Nation 1781 -1815

Setting the Stage America had a difficult task after they won their independence from Britain. They had to create a new national government. Most people felt that the British government had too much power over them. For this reason, they wanted to limit the power of the national government. But they still needed a government strong enough to hold the states together.

Articles of Confederation March, 1781 -All 13 states approved the Articles; joined together all states. Power was divided between the National gov’t and the State gov’t. State Governments had MOST of the power. Congress had little power over the states.

Who had the Power? National Government (Congress) Could declare War Provided mail service Could sign treaties with other countries Could issue money (coins) Could NOT collect taxes to pay for war debts Could NOT settle disputes between states. State Government Could Tax the People Controlled Trade within their borders.

Shays’s Rebellion Ø Some states charged very high taxes and many people had to sell their land to pay the state. Ø Hundreds protested, but their complaints were ignored. Ø January 1787 - Desperate farmers, led by Daniel Shays, tried to seize guns in Massachusetts. Results of the Rebellion 1. This rebellion worried the whole nation. Congress did not have the power to help the states to stop the rebellion. 2. Was our government so WEAK that a small group of farmers could take over a state? ?

Constitutional Convention Articles of Confederation was too weak. May 25, 1787: Meeting in Philadelphia to discuss replacing the Articles. 55 delegates- Every state sent reps except Rhode Island. NC’s Delegates: Hugh Williamson, William Blount, Alexander Martin, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and William R. Davie. Meetings were kept secret. Met during a very hot summer for 3 months. Windows were kept closed to keep things secret.

All agreed that the National Government should remain a republic, should collect taxes, and control trade. 3 branches of government would be created: Congress to create laws, a President to ensure laws were followed, and courts to try cases of national law. Created a checks and balances system of government. No one branch would have all the power. Several topics could not be agreed upon.

The Great Compromise

3/5’s Compromise Southern states wanted all slaves counted in the population (because they had more than the North had) Northern states did not want to count slaves as part of the population. 3/5’s compromise stated that 3 out of every 5 slaves would count towards a states’ population.

Ch 11. 2 Ratifying the Constitution

Key Idea After many debates, the Constitution was ratified and became the law of the land Ratification means to approve. There were 2 main groups arguing Federalists- People who supported the Constitution Antifederalists- People opposed to the constitution. Why would someone oppose the Constitution?

Differences Between the Federalists and Antifederalists

North Carolina A state convention was held to debate ratification. The Antifederalists won so North Carolina did not vote to ratify the Constitution. 11 other states voted to ratify the Constitution so it became law. Rhode Island was the only other state to hold out. North Carolina eventually ratified it because congress was going to add a Bill of Rights.

The First President George Washington became president in 1789 He was humble and feared looking like a King He warned against political parties.

The Bill of Rights

11. 3 Heading West : The Louisiana Purchase

Key Ideas President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803, doubling the size of the United States

The Louisiana Purchase The Mississippi River was important for trade west of the Appalachians New Orleans at the Mouth of the river was controlled by France. Jefferson offered to buy NO but instead was offered all of the LA territory.

Lewis and Clark Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the new territory. Their two year journey mapped the land took them all of the way to the Pacific They were helped by Sacagawea and other friendly Indians

The Expeditions of Lewis and Clark

Pike Expedition Zebulon Pike Led another expedition to explore the LA Purchase. Claimed the Great Plains were a desert which slowed settlement Made it to the Rockies… “Pikes Peak”

Results

Effect on NC As new territories were added, new states would be admitted. Adding new states upset the balance of power in congress.

Directions: Answer the following either True or False. 1. True or False? During his last weeks in office, John Adams appointed "Midnight Judges" to preserve the power of the Democratic-Republican Party. 2. True or False? Lewis and Clark explored Texas. 3. True or False? In the case of Marbury vs. Madison, the Supreme Court overturned a law enacted by Congress. 4. True or False? The first time America's military fought overseas was during the Barbary Wars. 5. True or False? Vice-President Aaron Burr killed John Adams in a pistol duel.

Tecumseh and Native American Unity Tecumseh, with British help, was causing problems in the territory West of the Appalachians The Shawnee were defeated at Tippecanoe, and Tecumseh fled to Canada and British Protection.

1. In what year was the value of US imports and exports the greatest? 2. Did the value of US trade rise or fall in the period between 1806 and 1808?

The War Hawks Mostly Westerners Wanted to stop British aid to Indians Wanted British out of Canada Wanted to stop Impressments (taking our sailors) Led by Henry Clay of Kentucky and Andrew Jackson

The War of 1812 For 2 years the British were concentrating on defeating Napoleon Bonaparte and the French in Europe. In 1814, the British turned their attention to the war in the States The British took Washington DC Dolley Madison, a NC native, and wife to President Madison saved many important historical objects from the White House. The British were defeated at Ft. Mc. Henry and Lake Champlain and sought peace

Battle of New Orleans The Treaty of Ghent ended the war Dec 14 th, 1814 News of the treaty did not reach the US for weeks. The battle actually happened after the treaty. Andrew Jackson protected NO from a British attack. The US lost 75 men, the British more than 2, 000 The short term consequences of the war were few. No land changed hands. Not much changed at all.

The Battle of New Orleans

Results of the War Contributed to growing regional differences between the states North had ties to Britain, West and South had fewer ties. Native American Resistance was weakened allowing expansion West. Americans had to develop their own resources and goods because trade with Europe was disrupted. America emerged more powerful than ever.

Effects of the War of 1812

Review