The Birth of American Independence

The Birth of American Independence

A pivotal moment in history that marked the beginning of the United States as a sovereign nation. The signing of the Declaration of Independence led to the American Revolution, fought against British rule, and the birth of a new nation.

The Birth of American Independence

Through Acts imposed by the English like; The Stamp Act, The Townshend Act, and The Coercive Acts tensions rise in the colonies. Tensions that lead to events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, propelled American Patriots to push for change.

The Birth of American Independence

The Second Continental Congress meets and signs the Declaration of Independence. England declares war on the rebellious American Colonies.

The Birth of American Independence

The colonists recognize the need for an army. The Articles of the Confederation were drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777, serving as the possible framework for the Early American Government.

The Birth of American Independence

However it required the approval of all 13 colonies in order for it to take effect, and only 12 colonies approved.

The Birth of American Independence

Maryland held out until March 1781. Once Maryland joined in, the Articles of Confederation was set as America's governing document.

Multiple Choice

Which state did not approve the Articles of Confederation in 1777.

• Rhode Island

• New York

• Maryland

• Virginia

A Nation is Born and The Articles of Confederation are Enacted.

After a series of defeats, the American Army and its French allies emerge victorious, and a new nation is born.

Definition of Confederation

An agreement between states to support one another.

Early American Government

The Articles of the Confederation was the framework for the Early American Government. It was the first constitution of the United States, but it had many flaws.

Multiple Choice

What was the framework for the Early American Government?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of the Confederation

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

The Flaws of the Articles of Confederation

• Weak central government: The Articles of Confederation provided a weak central government, limiting its ability to effectively govern the new country such as:

Flaws of the Articles of Confederation

• No ability to collect taxes: The AOC's lacked the power to collect taxes, hindering the development of the country's infrastructure, and the repaying of war debts.

Flaws of the Articles of Confederation

• No permanent military force: The national government was not allowed to raise a permanent military force, leaving the country vulnerable without a navy or army.

Flaws with the Articles of Confederation

In order for Congress to enact a new law, delegates of Nine of the Thirteen States had to vote in favor of the change

Multiple Choice

What was one of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• Weak central government

• No ability to collect taxes

• All of these

• No permanent military force

• It was not easy to make changes or add laws.

Trade and Military Necessity

Pirates posed a major threat to trade ships, while English forces remained across the Mississippi River. The Articles of Confederation lacked the power to create a national currency or impose tariffs on trade ships. Additionally, the AOC couldn't regulate trade with other countries or interstate commerce. These limitations hindered the new government's ability to control trade and establish a unified economic system.

Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation hindered the new government's ability to control trade and establish a unified economic system. Our first constitution lacked the power to regulate commerce and enforce trade agreements locally. As a result, individual states could impose tariffs which complicated interstate trade. The need for a stronger central government led to the creation of the United States Constitution.

Multiple Choice

What hindered the new government's ability to control trade and establish a unified economic system?

• Doomsday

• Megatron

• The Articles of Confederation

• Thanos

Scrapping the Articles

The need for a stronger central government led to the creation of the United States Constitution.

Scrapping the Articles

• No power over tariffs, taxes, money, military, interstate commerce

• Failed attempts to amend the AOC's

Scrapping the Articles

• In 1787 at the second Constitutional convention: 12 states showed up, Rhode Island absent

• 12 states voted to scrap AOC's and write Constitution

Multiple Choice

Which event led to the scrapping of the Articles of Confederation and the writing of the Constitution?

• The overwhelming Flaws

• They lost the document

• Napoleon did not like them.

• George Washington said it needed to be changed.

The U.S. Constitution is Enacted

September 17, 1787 the U.S. Constitution was written and took the place of the Articles of Confederation in 1789. It our current governing document.