Chapter 8 Notes - Part 2

After the war, there was a pressing need to sell land for economic purposes.
- The government faced financial struggles.
- It was essential to determine the fate of the indigenous populations inhabiting the land.

Initial discussions suggested that negotiations would occur with Native Americans regarding the land.
- The land in question stretched between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.
- This does not yet include territories gained from the Louisiana Purchase, which took place in 1803 involving Thomas Jefferson.

The negotiations with Native Americans proved ineffective.
- A particular group of settlers preemptively created a state called Franklin.
- This attempt was unsuccessful as Franklin was not recognized as a state.

Representatives under the Articles of Confederation recognized the need for action.
- They developed three significant ordinances regarding land and statehood.
- Important for upcoming quizzes, particularly on Chapter 7 (Revolutionary War topics) and Chapter 8 (these ordinances).

Ordinance of 1784
- Basic premise: territories could apply for statehood once their population equaled that of the smallest existing state (Rhode Island).
- This established a baseline for population requirements.
Land Ordinance of 1785
- Expanded upon the ideal of tracking populations.
- Stipulations include:
  - Creation of a grid system to survey and sell land, which remains visible in the Midwest today.
  - Mandatory areas designated for public facilities like schools and churches.
  - Divisions include sections, half-sections, and quarter-sections.
Northwest Ordinance
- Concerned the organization of the Northwest Territory and led to the establishment of five states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- Notable features:
  - Prohibited slavery within these territories.
  - This preemptive measure was established to avoid controversies similar to those in the Declaration of Independence, where Thomas Jefferson's attempts to include anti-slavery language were rejected.
  - Once a territory reached 5,000 people, it could form a legislature.
  - At 60,000 people, a constitution could be drafted, allowing for statehood.
- Economy considered: As these are not plantation-heavy areas unlike the South, the prohibition of slavery was less controversial.

These ordinances marked significant successes for the Articles of Confederation, primarily allowing for economic stability via land sales.
- The federal government benefitted financially by selling land within the grid system.
- This orderly method of land distribution was essential for future territory management.

The educator shared a personal story about understanding the grid system through their experience on a farm—running distances using sections to track their exercise regime, which reflects how land was also sectioned in the Ordinance system.

Despite some successes in land distribution, the Articles faced considerable economic struggles post-war.
- Loss of trade relationships with Britain left the economy in recession and state governments financially broke.
- Efforts to collect debts from farmers caused social tensions, highlighting a conflict between rich and poor citizens.

The rise of wildcat banks resulted in fluctuating currency values which worsened economic burdens.
- Wealthier citizens had more capacity to manage through these downturns compared to poorer citizens.

Shay's Rebellion was a notable uprising led by Daniel Shay, emerging from economic grievances.
- Concerns focused on debtors being imprisoned for unpaid debts, leading to direct actions against these practices.
- Key elements of Shay's Rebellion include:
- Advocacy for the release of imprisoned debtors.
- Ineffectiveness of the government to address these concerns; pleas for assistance were ignored.
- Lack of centralized authority under the Articles—no president could directly quell the rebellion, necessitating the use of the former Continental Army to suppress it.
The need for a stronger federal government became evident following the rebellion, emphasizing the need for centralized taxation, economic assistance, and law enforcement to prevent future insurrections.

Following Shay's Rebellion and its implications, it became clear that amendments to the Articles of Confederation were crucial.
- The government required an overarching authority to manage economic and social instability effectively.