|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Chapter 2 : A New Nation |
Britain emerged from the French and Indian War as the dominant European power in North America. Britain's victory, however, brought with it a huge war debt and the problem of governing newly acquired territories. Seeking help for its debt, the British government levied new taxes on the colonists. Britain also issued the Proclamation of 1763, which banned all settlement west of the Appalachians. In protesting Britain's tightening controls, the colonists discovered a sense of unity and patriotism.
Relations between Britain and the colonies continued to deteriorate. In 1776 the colonists issued the Declaration of Independence, which formally notified the world that the colonies were "free and independent States." During the War for Independence, the Americans#151;with only a volunteer army—carried out a long struggle against a larger British force. With the help of France, the colonists achieved a stunning victory over Great Britain.
In the wake of independence, the colonies developed a plan—the Articles of Confederation—to unite them. Under the Articles, the national government was weak and had difficulty collecting taxes, enforcing laws, and mediating disputes between the states. Because of these problems, a bold group of leaders met during the summer of 1787 and drafted a new plan of government-the Constitution. The Constitution established a powerful two-house Congress, a strong chief executive, and a national judicial system.
|
|
|
|
|
