Precarious Experiment, A: Economic Upheaval
There is tremendous economic disruption after the war. The currency is worthless; Robert Morris' proposed 5% duty tax to pay for war debts fails. Under the Articles of Confederation economic problems fall to the states to resolve if a unanimous vote...
Precarious Experiment, A: Western Expansion
The Confederation's most significant accomplishment during the 1780s is the resolution of at least some of the controversies related to western lands. Much of the frontier land had been acquired by land speculators who advertise it and attempt to se...
Pressures from Within: Presidency of James Monroe
The Republicans have no trouble electing yet another Virginia candidate in 1816. It isn't even much of a contest. James Monroe, former secretary of state and Revolutionary War veteran is 61 years old when he takes office. Monroe's cabinet includes b...
Not Much of a War: How the Continental Army Outlasted Britain's Military Might
How can the small, rag-tag Continental army outlast the 18th century's most formidable military power? One important factor is that the British misunderstand what they are facing in this conflict, one of five battlefronts in which the British are en...
Not Much of a War: Support for Independence Intensifies
Colonial support for independence intensifies with the circulation of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine. Three weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress meets at the state house in Philadelphia with delegates fr...
Not Much of a War: Securing Aid from Abroad
Historians characterize the Revolutionary War as an "embarrassing" military event with few notable battles. The failure of the British to crush the Continental army in the mid-Atlantic states combined with the stunning American victory at Saratoga t...
Not Much of a War: Battles in New England and the Mid-Atlantic
During the first year of fighting, British forces attempt to crush each outbreak of rebellion as it occurs. They suffer major losses when they take on revolutionary forces at Breed's Hill in Boston, yet crush Washington's troops in New York. Each ti...
Precarious Experiment, A: African American and Native American Viewpoints
The institution of slavery is undermined by the Revolutionary War. Many slaves run away, serving in the Continental Army and eventually gaining their freedom. There is widespread belief that slavery will come to an end because of its incompatibility...
Precarious Experiment, A: Articles of Confederation Need Revamping
For most of the 1780s U. S. leaders try to come up with modifications to the Articles of Confederation that will strengthen the nation without creating a tyranny. They call for a meeting in Annapolis to discuss their ideas but only five states send ...
Rivals and Friends: Troubled Presidency of John Adams, The
In the early months of Adams' term, the French government captures American ships and crews. When Adams' negotiators are rebuffed, the president cuts off trade with France and orders preparations for war. Hamilton and other Federalists see this as a...