The Northwest Ordinance How the nation grows

My Questions What are two reasons the Northwest Ordinance was created? What was one problem with the Northwest Ordinance? Name three ways the NW Ordinance impacted the future of governments in America.

After the Revolution After defeating the British, one of the first tasks of the American government was how to manage the western lands that they gained from their victory. These new lands encompassed almost the entire Great Lakes area, including Ohio.

The Northwest Ordinance Settlers and squatters immediately began to request land in the Northwest Territory and many decided to settle the land illegally, against the will of local Indians. To help make these settlements legal, the American government adopted the Northwest Ordinance in 1787.

What the Ordinance Did It officially designated the area north of the Ohio River as the Northwest Territory. It forbade slavery north of the Ohio River. One section of each township would be set aside for public schools. Basic rights were guaranteed in the NW Territory, including religious liberty, right to a trial by jury, and a requirement of a writ of habeas corpus to arrest someone. Most importantly, it outlined how a territory could eventually attain statehood.

The Steps to Statehood First, during the initial years of settlement, Congress would appoint a territorial governor and judges. Second, when five thousand adult males lived in a territory, voters would approve a temporary constitution and elect a legislature that would pass laws for the territory. Finally, when the total population reached sixty thousand, voters would ratify a state constitution, which the U.S. Congress would have to approve before granting the territory statehood.

The Problems with the NW Ordinance Most of the Northwest Territory actually belonged or was claimed by the Indians, the same Indians that the Declaration of Independence called “merciless savages.” Approximately 150,000 Indians lived in the Northwest Territory and a majority of them hated the idea of hordes of Americans moving into the area. British troops were still active in the NW, refusing to abandon many forts and providing ammunition and arms to Native American warriors.

The Lasting Impact of the NW Ordinance The Northwest Ordinance served as a model for how future territories in the west became states. It set a precedent for banning slavery in territories. It also set a precedent for the public support of education. It allowed the booming population of America to move west of the Appalachians and utilize the fertile farmland of the Great Lakes area. It immediately led to continuous conflict between Great Lakes settlers and Great Lakes Indians.