1. Starting a New Nation: The Problems of the Critical Period

2. Treaty of Paris, 1783 Official treaty to end the American Revolution. Official treaty to end the American Revolution. –Good intentions, bad results...John Jay ’ s betrayal of France. –US get: Independence, New boundaries, Fishing rights, British out of the forts –British get: Debts repaid and protection for Loyalists. –Both GB and US have access to Mississippi River. –Spain: regain New Orleans and Florida from GB.

3. The Critical Period (1783-1787) The “ Critical Period ” is a term used to describe the first five years after the American Revolution. The term represents the dangerous position the newly formed country found itself. Throughout the period, hardships and obstacles threatened to end the democratic “ experiment ” before it could really begin.

4. Problems Facing the New Nation The new republic was faced by tremendous problems: 1) New government hastily created during wartime. 2) New lands acquired, but no rules for it. 3) Disrespect from the outside world (friends, foes, and pirates) 4) Rivalries among the new states. 5) crushing debts and an economic depression.

5. British Problems British refuse to obey the terms of the Treaty of Paris. British refuse to obey the terms of the Treaty of Paris. (Claim US violations of treaty - which were true) British: Do not send foreign minister (1 or 13?) Do not send foreign minister (1 or 13?) Ignores John Adams (acting ambassador) Ignores John Adams (acting ambassador) Deny fishing rights/arrest and “ impress ” fishermen Deny fishing rights/arrest and “ impress ” fishermen Refused to leave Western Forts Refused to leave Western Forts Arming/Aiding/Advising Western Indians Arming/Aiding/Advising Western Indians

6. Spanish Problems Spanish refuse to respect American rights in new lands: Spanish refuse to respect American rights in new lands: Move into disputed lands claimed by GA and SC. Move into disputed lands claimed by GA and SC. Armed/Aided Seminole Indian raiders. Armed/Aided Seminole Indian raiders. Helping slaves escape and granted freedom. Helping slaves escape and granted freedom. Tried to convince KY/TN resident to leave Tried to convince KY/TN resident to leave Denied US “ right of deposit ” at Port of New Orleans Denied US “ right of deposit ” at Port of New Orleans

7. Internal Problems The central domestic problem facing the A of C was economic: a) $75 million dollar debt (3.2 bill. today). b) conflicts between lenders and debtors. c) unregulated taxes between states.