Critical period dbq essay

Critical Period DBQ In the United States from 1781 to 1789 the Articles of Confederation was the main form of government. Although the document established a national government, a legislative branch, and land expansion to the west, it still had major weaknesses.

There were weaknesses in the social, political, and economical forms of the government. The articles failed to efficiently regulate trade, levy taxes, and predominantly enforce the laws that were written. The Articles of Confederation contained glaring weaknesses in the economy, including the failure to regulate trade. In Document B, it shows the estimated value of exports to Britain in relation to the population. From 1770 to 1775, as the population increased the value of the exports also roughly increased.

But after the Articles of Confederation were implemented the growth of the value of the exports ceased. The Articles of Confederation proved to be ineffective in regulating trade which led to the economic depression. The national debt grew from 11 million to 28 million during the time span of the Confederation.

Document A was also a response towards the economical affects of the Articles of Confederation. It was a response towards Robert Morris’s taxation and debt management plan. The Rhode Island assembly rejected the plan.

The plan allowed congress to collect money from states that were commercially inclined. The Rhode Island assembly say that the plan would go “ against the constitution” of their state. But the government needed a unanimous approval from 9 out the 13 states, so consequently Robert Morris’s was never put in order. There were many political weaknesses that were caused by the Articles of Confederation. It conflicted with internal affairs, concerning war, treaties, and currency. The economic depression affected the national army, as they marched to Philadelphia in demand for money, as Joseph Jones states in Document C.

He criticizes the government saying “ inability of Congress to pay their demands, unless furnished by the means of several states. ” This shows the flaw of the government, they gave too much power to the states they cannot amend the Articles unless they had has consent of at least nine states. This led to the “ slow determination” of issues. Foreign policy was also affected by the Articles of Confederation.

Countries started to turn their backs to the United States by cutting off trade and demanding debt payments. Foreign pressure was pushing through, and with no leadership, the government could be overthrown with nothing to prevent it. The Spanish restricted trade U. S trade and access to the lower portion of the Mississippi River, as John Jay states to Congress on the negotiations with Spain. There were also social weaknesses caused by the Articles of Confederation. People suffered from economic difficulties which led to rebellions including Shays Rebellion. As John Jay states in Document G, people were “ led by the insecurity of property, loss of confidence of their rulers” These were all the affects of the Articles of Confederation on the society, which led to Shays Rebellion.

It was a rebellion in 1787 to persuade the legislature to be more flexible and allow the farmers to use corn and wheat as money, and the right to postpone paying taxes until the depression lifted. The legislature omitted direct taxes the following year, lowered court fees, and exempted clothing, household goods, and tools from the debt process. The rebellion gave a conservatism and nationalism outlook on the government. This led to the Constitution.

Overall the Articles of Confederation proved to be inefficient in establishing the United Sates as a strong and powerful nation. It gave no power to the national government or congress, but gave the States too much power which led to the downfall of the Confederation.