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Articles of Confederation Ratified
With the colonies being a new nation, the decision of the government was very important. They did not want a tyrannical governement. Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could declare war, have an army, and sign treaties. The Articles were proven faulty, though, as a strong central government was desperately needed. Congress could not make taxes or regulate trade which cause many problems.
Source: The American Vision, Chapter 3 Section 1, page 98, The Articles of Confederation. -
Treaty of Paris
The fight for Independence has come to an end. Great Britain had agreed to sign the Treaty of Paris which recognized the American Colonies as an independent nation. Now, the Colonies would not be under Britain's control. The treaty assured a future for the Colonies. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay signed the treaty and negotiated parts of it for assurance that it met the national interest.
Source: Treaty of Paris (1783) -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance allowed the United States to expand north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River. The land would be divided into states once the population reached 60,000. The territory promised freedom of religion, property rights, and the right to trial by jury. Slavery was not allowed in the new territiory.
Source: The American Vision, Chapter 3 Section 1, Page 99, Western Policies. -
Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship
When the Colonies first gained their independence from Great Britain, Morocco was the first country to recognize them as a nation. They promised the United States protection of their ships in Moroccan waters along with many other benefits. The alliance between Morocco and the United States is the longest standing alliance to this day.
Source: Morocco on the Move -
Constitution is Ratified
In order for the Constitution to be ratified, 9 out of 13 states had to agree to it. Supporters of the Constitution were known as federalists. Non-supporters were called anti-federalists because they believed a Bill of Rights should be included in order to keep the independence of the states and people. Citizens of the United States were still nervous about the Constitution, after the first failed attempt at government with the Articles of Confederation. Look at link for source -
The Judiciary Act
Although the Constitution established the Supreme Court, Congress was in charge of assigning lower federal courts. This Act created the position of the attorney general as well as an outline for jurisdiction. Congress established the basic structure of the court system which is mostly used today (some changes were made later on).
Source: Primary Documents in American History -
Excise Whiskey Tax
In order for the government to recieve more funds, they placed a tax on whiskey. Farmers who made and sold whiskey were furious because it took away their profit and income. Western farmers became enraged and decided to rebel the tax by attacking tax collectors. George Washington sent 15,000 troops in response to the rebellion.
Source: Office of the Clerk -
Jay's Treaty
This treaty was signed between the United States and Great Britain in hopes to resolve issues that remained from when the colonies gained independence. Jay's Treaty greatly restricted U.S trade with the British West Indies. With less trade and more advantages towards Great Britain, the treaty proved unpopular to most Americans.
Source: Office of the Historian -
Treaty of Greenville
Through the Treaty of Greenville, the Native Americans agreed to give the southern part of Ohio to the United States, if they receive $10,000 yearly. This was in affect in hopes for settlers to move westward onto Native American soil, without getting attacked or kicked out. After a major loss to the Americans, the Natives were forced to sign the treaty or risk losing more members of their tribe.
Source: The American Vision, Chapter 4 Section 2, Westward Expansion, Page 164 -
Pinckney's Treaty
The United States has gained access to the Mississippi River, which is on Spanish territory. The treaty greatly favors the Americans and was popular amongst the citizens of the United States. Spain and the United States also negotiated on protecting each other from Native American attacks and allowed and respected freedom of the seas.
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica -
Alien and Sedition Acts
In order for the Federalists to maintain power, they passed the acts, making it harder for immigrants to the United States to become citizens. Knowing that the Irish and French immigrants usually voted republican, the federalists made the process to become legal extremely difficult and long. They even took away the freedom of speech through sedition.
Source: American Vision, Chapter 4 Section 2, Page 166, Alien and Sedition Acts -
Kentucky Resolution
-Further adaptions took place in 1799
The Kentucky Resolution argued that the states had the right to declare a law that the federal government passes, unconstitutional. The states also have the power to void a law. If the states were to declare a law unconstitutional, nullification by the states would be the correct way to go.
Source: The American Vision, Chapter 4 Section 2, Page 167, The Alien and Sedition Acts -
Virginia Resolution
The Virginia Resolution introduced the idea of interposition. This idea showed that states could step in between the federal government and the people. The plan behind this was to protect people from unconstitutional laws. The resolution was made to protest the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Source: American Vision, Chapter 4 Section 2, Page 167, Alien and Sedition Acts. -
Treaty of Mortefontaine
During the time of the French Revolution, the Americans decided to stay neutral throughout. The French were upset with their decision not to help them fight and the signing of Jay's Treaty with Great Britain. Feeling violated, the French sent warships to fight the Americans, which was not a success. The victory went towards the United States and the Quasi War was ended with the signing of the Treaty of Mortefontaine.
Source: Office of the Historian -
Treaty of Peace and Amity
During Thomas Jefferson's term of presidency, a Treaty of Peace and Amity was signed in Tripoli. This peace treaty was successful at ending the Tripolitan War which was started because Tripoli demanded the U.S to pay $250,000 but they refused. With the treaty, the war was ended and the United States paid Tripoli $60,000 in order to relieve their prisoners of war.
Source: Treaty of Peace and Amity -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed in order to end the war of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The boundaries set before the war were back to normal and no territory changed ownership. The war increased the United States' nationalism and restored hope for future wins.
Source: The American Vision, Chapter 4 Section 4, Events in New England and New Orleans, Page 181 -
Rush-Bagot Agreement
The Rush-Bagot Agreement limited how many naval forces that the United States and Great Britain could have on the Great Lakes. Limitations included the weight of the vessel, the cannons aboard, and the amount of ships allowed on each lake. The agreement has helped with maintaining a peaceful relationship between Canada and the United States.
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica -
Treaty of 1818
Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of 1818 in order to show a boundary between the United States and Canada. The treaty allowed fishermen from the United states to fish along parts of Canada and split the land known as Oregon amongst the United States and Britain. The negotiations also allowed for a better relationship between the U.S and Britain.
Source: October 20 in History:Treaty of 1818 Signed -
ADAMS-ONÍS TREATY
In order for the United States to gain rights over Florida, many negotiations took place between Spain and the United States. The U.S argued that Florida was actually part of the Louisiana territory, therefore it should belong to them. The treaty allowed Spain to claim Texas while the United States gained rights over East and West Florida.
Source:Oklahoma Historical Society -
Monroe Doctrine
In order to not work with the British, Monroe made a procalmation called the Monroe Doctrine. He did not want to be involved in Britain's issues and vise versa. The main reason for the Monroe Doctrine was to prevent European powers from intruding in Latin America.
Source: The American Vision, Chapter 5 Section 1, Page 193, The Monroe Doctrine.
