how did washingtons spies help win the revolutionary war? the culper ring

what was done under the articles government?

how did we get to the constitution?

declaration of independence (1776): it created a psychological impact by saying that there’s no turning back. it also let other countries know that we are independent and opens up alliances with the french

articles of confederation (1781-1785):

• positives: it created the northwest ordinance (1787) which labled native american land as “unorganized territory” and set out the process of how a piece of land becomes a state. it ended any possible territory disputes with other americans. it made all land west slavery free.

• negatives: inflation, too many imports and not enough exports, unicameral congress needed 9/13 votes to pass a law and 13/13 to amend it, representatives never showed up, no federal government, couldn’t raise taxes or an army, no executive branch or legislative branch.

annapolis convention (1786): no one came so they decided to meet a year later.

shays rebellion (1786-1787): daniael shay, a farmer and retired war veteran, was in debt and heavily taxed in MA, led to the constitutional convention of 1787 because there needs to be a federal government that can fight every single little rebellion

federalists: wanted a constitution and a strong central government. ex: washington, hamilton, madison, and jay. typically merchants and commercials

james madison: father of the constitution

federalist papers: written by james madison, hamilton, and jay

• federalist paper #10: written by james madison, wanted to prevent factions (political parties), it’s harder to be persuaded as a nation rather than a state

• federalist paper #21: disscussed the national tax and how the courts will work

antifederalists: opposed a new constitution because they feared the federal government would become too strong or like a monarchy. ex: patrick henry, sam adams, rich lee, and george mason. all signed the constitution except jefferson. typically farmers that suppported slavery

constitution: driven by young people