Starting a New Nation: The Problems of the Critical Period

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Starting a New Nation The Problems of the
Critical Period
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Treaty of Paris, 1783

• Official treaty to end the American Revolution.
• Good intentions, bad results . . .John Jays
  betrayal of France.
• US get Independence, New boundaries, Fishing
  rights, British out of the forts
• British get Debts repaid and protection for
  Loyalists.
• Both GB and US have access to Mississippi River.
• Spain regain New Orleans and Florida from GB.

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The Critical Period (1783-1787)

• The Critical Period is a term used to describe
  the first five years after the American
  Revolution.
• The term represents the dangerous position the
  newly formed country found itself.
• Throughout the period, hardships and obstacles
  threatened to end the democratic experiment
  before it could really begin.

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Problems Facing the New Nation

• The new republic was faced by tremendous
  problems
• 1) New government hastily created during
  wartime.
• 2) New lands acquired, but no rules for it.
• 3) Disrespect from the outside world (friends,
  foes, and pirates)
• 4) Rivalries among the new states.
• 5) crushing debts and an economic depression.

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British Problems

• British refuse to obey the terms of the Treaty of
  Paris.
• (Claim US violations of treaty - which were true)
• British
• Do not send foreign minister (1 or 13?)
• Ignores John Adams (acting ambassador)
• Deny fishing rights/arrest and impress
  fishermen
• Refused to leave Western Forts
• Arming/Aiding/Advising Western Indians

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Spanish Problems

• Spanish refuse to respect American rights in new
  lands
• Move into disputed lands claimed by GA and SC.
• Armed/Aided Seminole Indian raiders.
• Helping slaves escape and granted freedom.
• Tried to convince KY/TN resident to leave
• Denied US right of deposit at Port of New
  Orleans

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Internal Problems

• The central domestic problem facing the A of C
• was economic
• a) 75 million dollar debt (3.2 bill. today).
• b) conflicts between lenders and debtors.
• c) unregulated taxes between states.