The Birth of a Nation

1
The Birth of a Nation

• The establishment of the United States Government
  
• (1776-1789)

2
Continuing Struggle

• The American War is over but this far from being
  the case with the American Revolution. On the
  Contrary, nothing but the first act of drama is
  closed. It remains yet to establish and perfect
  our new forms of government, and to prepare the
  principles, morals, and manners of our citizens
  for these forms of government after they are
  established and brought to perfection.
• Benjamin Rush
• Adler, Bill. Americas Founding Fathers Their
  Uncommon Wisdom and Wit.

3
Standards Covered

• Standard USHC-2 The student will demonstrate an
  understanding of the establishment of the United
  States as a new nation.
• USHC-2.4 Summarize the creation of a new
  national government, including the new state
  constitutions, the countrys economic crisis, the
  Founding Fathers and their debates at the
  Constitutional Convention, the impact of the
  Federalist Papers, and the subsequent
  ratification of the Constitution.

4
The Declaration of Independence and American
Revolution
Last Unit we explored the colonization of North
America through the Revolutionary War Important
events to recall 1754 French and Indian
War 1760s-increased tension between the colonies
and Britain. 1770 Boston Massacre 1774/1775 1st
and 2nd continental congress meets 1776 America
Declares independence from Britain 1783 War ends.
Treaty of Paris Signed
5
Labor Pains

• Articles of Confederation 1781
• Fear of strong central government
• Weaknesses of congress to pass laws and taxes
• Ineffective foreign policies

• Shays rebellion 1786
• post-war economic crisis
• Lack of paper money
• Farming crisis
• War debt
• Massachusetts raising taxes

6
Constitutional Convention

• 1787 Delegation meets in Philadelphia.
• Decide to throw out articles and create the
  Unites States Constitution.
• Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan
• Great Compromise

7
Equality for All Hypocrisy of the New Nation

• Three-fifths compromise
• Slave Trade Compromise
• Bill of Rights
• What do you think? What do you notice about the
  three events above. Is there something strange
  going on?

8
Federalist and Anti-Federalists
http//www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/
9
Further Conflict

• Federalist v. democratic-republicans
• Naturalization Act, Alien Act, Sedition Act
• Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
• Doctrine of nullification

10
RATIFICATION

• 1789- After agreeing to add 10 amendments
  insuring individual rights (bill of rights)
  constitution is ratified.
• 1791-Bill of Rights added.