Berkin's Articles Of Confederation

Berkin begins on a rather somber note, with a number of prominent political figures expressing considerable concern for the United States and its survival. They had freed themselves from the British only to face the difficulties of governing the fledging new nation and grappled with lack of unity between the states and the ensuing inter-state conflict, immense national debt, and poor foreign relations. For instance, the straightforward “no taxation without representation” philosophy that had carried them through the war with the shared hope of freedom from restrictive British regulations on trade, law, etc. proved a hindrance as their independence meant they could no longer defend their ships at sea with the threat of the formidable British navy. The unrest over the economic turmoil hefted by an unstable government with almost no power (due to fear of excessive federal government stemming from the oppressive British monarchy) in the aftermath of the American

Revolution revealed the many failings of the Articles of Confederation and the desperate need for a new constitution creating a more unified country with a strong national government.

The greater part of the country’s problems were rooted in economic interests. Citizens were not repaid for their contributions to the war and foreign countries were hesitant to loan money to a country that couldn’t honor its existing debts. The federal treasury relied on the generosity of the states and thus remained essentially empty. Congress attempted to sell land and levy a small import tax to raise funds, but dealt with little interest and a firm refusal from the states, respectively. Furthermore, between those states was a constantly fluctuating exchange rate for each state’s individual currency and steep taxes, both showcasing the firm grasp the states had on their singular, unique identities. The cohesion from the common enemy during the Revolutionary War had long since worn

off, and each state acted for itself and its best interest, while Congress could only spectate the dissolution of the nation for which they had so passionately struggled and fought. Rebellions arose, such as that of hundreds of Massachusetts farmers blocking the court entrance in Northampton and over a thousand men occupying the courthouse in Springfield. They had helplessly watched their incomes decline and taxes rise in an economic depression there seemed to be no way out of; they worried for themselves, for their families, for their livelihoods, for the country they and their brethren had sacrificed so much to build falling apart in front of them. In turn, the Confederation remained discouraged at the dismal future that appeared to face the United States, apprehensive about the vulnerability and impermanence that loomed so near, especially after the shock of the uprisings against the republic. Public attitude followed similarly, with many expressing fear of further discontent and perhaps even anarchy. And it was this that provided the basis for a national shift towards nationalism and unity that would ultimately forge the United States.
Fear is deeply entrenched in the infancy of the United States and while it was [problem], it was also the driving force that led to the drafting of the constitution used to this day.