A Revolutionary Society

Post-war Slave Emancipation

• Tens of thounsands of slaves gain freedom during the american revolution


• Post-war; blacks in "the North" are free but unequal, blacks in "the South" remain slaves


• As northern states realize they have no need for slaves, they begin to sign emancipations.


• A percentage of Virginia and Maryland slaves were liberated through the manumission. This establishment however authorized power to the slave owners.


• Unlike Virginia, Maryland , and all states outside of the deep south, South Carolina and Georgia found it neccessary to reopen the Atlantic slave trade. - Would end with congressional intervention in 1808

Western Expansion

• Pressure for americans to expand- will then commence westward expansion.


• With the founding of Kentucky (Wilderness Road), tensions with native Indians begin to flare.


• Land Ordinance of 1784- Under the Articles of Confederation, the congress authorized surveying to mark out lots(townships)- 36 sections with 640 acres.


• Northwest Ordinance of 1787- provides a government for the northwest territories.

Economic Crisis

• America, yet to develope solid export capabilities, became overwhelmed with the extent of British trade.


• merchants began to sue there customers and farmers faced lost of crop, livestock, and foreclosure.


• Massachusetts denies aid to farmers. Sparks Shay's Rebellion, 1787. Massachusetts authorities call to National Government. Gov't does not have the power to raise an a

The Constitution/Federalism

• The Articles of Confederation proved too weak.


• VA would ask all states to send delegates to Annapolis for the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.


• As the convention opens VA offers a completly new gov't plan. Known as the Virginia Plan.


• Smaller states object the Va plan. New Jersey Plan; gives congress the power to regulate trade and issue taxes.


• Establishment of the Electorial College to elect presidents.


• The process of ratification leads to a split in the country between Federalists, those on favor of strong federal powers, and Anti-federalists, those in favor of strong state powers.


• In its firts few years, federalists dominated congressional fations.


• During the struggle over ratefication, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay wrote a series of 85 essays,known as Federalist Papers, which defend the constitution.


• Bill of Rights, 1789, was passed in order to protect individuals from the powers of the national government.


• New Hampshire->VA->NY->NC->Rhode Island were the last of the states to ratify.