The United States Becomes a Nation

The United States of America Becomes a Nation

• In 1783, the United States gained independence from Great Britain after an eight-year war.
• The Founding Fathers, who led the revolution, knew they needed to establish a government for the new nation.
• They wanted a government that would prevent a king from ruling the country.
• The Articles of Confederation, written during the war, became the nation’s first constitution.
• The Articles of Confederation gave limited power to the national government; most power remained with the states.
• The weak national government had trouble collecting taxes and paying the army.
• These issues led to debt from countries that had helped the United States during the war.
• The Founding Fathers feared that the nation might not survive without a stronger government.
• In 1787, the Constitutional Convention was convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 55 delegates, including prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, worked throughout the summer to draft a new Constitution.
• There was disagreement about the power of the national government, as some delegates feared a strong federal government would take power away from the states.
• Rhode Island refused to send a delegate.
• George Washington, a leader of the Revolutionary War, was chosen to preside over the convention.

The Birth of a Nation

• The United States of America was founded in 1783 after an eight-year war for independence against Great Britain.
• Despite the victory, challenges remained, primarily the need for a functional government.
• The Founding Fathers, wary of a monarchy, sought a different model of governance.

The Articles of Confederation

• This document, drafted during the Revolutionary War, acted as the first US Constitution.
• It aimed to unite the states but allocated limited power to the central government while leaving most to individual states.
• The Articles lacked the power to collect taxes or maintain a standing army, proving insufficient in managing debts and safeguarding the nation’s security.
• Fear arose that the newly formed nation could crumble without a stronger central authority.

The Constitutional Convention

• In 1787, delegates from various states convened in Philadelphia at Independence Hall to draft a new constitution.
• 55 delegates, including notable figures like Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, participated in the arduous process.
• The convention faced challenges as some delegates feared a powerful central government, potentially encroaching on states’ rights.
• Rhode Island refused to participate, highlighting the division of opinion.
• George Washington served as the presiding officer of the convention.