-
Thomas Paine: "Common Sense"
In 1776, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet, "Common Sense," which openly challenged the British government and monarchy's authority. It advocated for American independence and eventually succeeded in uniting many average citizens and leaders behind a common goal (independence). This pamphlet was extremely influential in the Revolutionary Era, resultng in colonial independence. Paine foresaw a worldwide impact, naming America as "an asylum for all mankind." -
Robert Morris: Superintendent of Finance
The young nation was bankrupt by 1780 due to its inability to raise funds through taxes and the lingering debts from the Revolutionary War. Robert Morris, the new Superintendent of Finance, expanded government power and created the Bank of North America (which stabalized the value of paper money, limited runaway inflation, and created fiscal stability; essentially saving the United States' economy). -
Daniel Shays: Shay's Rebellion
Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Continental Army, led a full-scale revolt to protest against the high taxes and unresponsive government. The angry Massachusetts farmers called themselves "Shaysites" after Daniel Shays, their leader. This was the first full-scale revolt after the Revolutionary war; it demonstrated the large amount of internal conflict in the young nation. Even though the Shay's Rebellion was crushed, it sparked other smaller rebellions throughout the colonies. -
James Madison: Virginia Plan
At the Constitutional Convention, Madison drafted the Virginia Plan (and Edmund Randolph presented it) which througly influenced the structure of the new, centralized government. He proposed a strong central govenmet with national supremecy above state sovereignty and a close relationship with the people, in addition to consisting of a bicameral legislature, an executive and a judicial branch. This proposed government was drastically different from the one under the Articles of Confederation. -
George Washington: First President of the United States
As the first president of the United States, Washington set the precedent for how the government would operate. His popularity and stature "enhanced the legitimacy of the new government," convincing some that it would lad to tyrannical rule. In addition, Washington warned against divided political parties and the threat of foreign powers, trying to provide some guidance for the new nation. His actions were important in shaping the new nation's government and in gaining support of the citizens. -
Alexander Hamilton: Secretary of the Treasury
President Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton to be the Secretary of the Treasury in 1789. There were still many lingering economic issues (war debts, inflation), but Hamilton took many revolutionary steps in order to save the economy. He addressed the problem of public credit by issuing new securities bonds, he addressed the problem of unstable currency by creating the Bank of the United States, and he addressed the issue of the limited economic growth by encouraging a mercantilist economy. -
Judith Sargent Murray: "On the Equality of the Sexes"
Judith Murray's essay, "On the Equality of the Sexes," challenged the belief that men posssed intellectual capacities than women, claiming that any differences resulted from prejudice and discrimination. She asserts that difference in intellegence only depends on access to education. Similary, she claimed that nature demanded full equality, but male domination prevented it. Relationships changed a a result of her essay and other smilar works and movements, such as heightened sigificance of women -
Susanna Haswell Rowson: "Charlotte Temple"
Susanna Haswell, a British-American novelist, wrote the best-selling novel, Charlotte Temple, which featured a female heroine. The female heroine suffers in a world dominated by men. This kind of story featuring strong female characters was not common in the Revolutionary Era, but did become more prevalant, and eventually expanded the literacy and education of women. Her book helped change society-- more women were becoming educated, and there was more equality between husbands and wives -
Edmond Genet: French diplomatic envoy
Edmond Genet was a French diplomatic envoy during the French Revolution, and he was instructed to seek repayment for the American debt, or to get credit for purchasing the supplies needed. However, he went beyond his instructions and began conspiring with those who opposed President Washington's position of neutrality. He called for Americans to harass British ships and he opened the French sugar islands for free trade with the United States. This resulted in the US being involved in the war. -
John Adams: Second President of United States
The Adams administration raised taxes, increased taxes, and enlarged the army and navy in case of a war with France (due to the percieved British-American alliance). He instituted several Anti-French policies, which increased his popular support. However, he then proceeded to pass a series of laws, know as the Alien and Sedition Acts, which enraged many citizens. These laws restricted opposition to the government and could deport foreigners. Americans percieved this as a step towards tyranny.
