The Articles of Confederation - Constitutional Convention - Extra History - Part 4

Summary

The video explores the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War, focusing on the weak government under the Articles of Confederation. It recounts how George Washington resisted becoming a dictator, Congress struggled to manage Western land and enforce treaties, and how states squabbled among themselves. Alexander Hamilton, frustrated by the inefficiency, pushed for a new Constitution. With James Madison’s help, they convinced George Washington to attend a convention, which ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The video ends with a guest introducing the idea of alternate history, asking what might have happened if the Articles of Confederation had remained.

Takeaways

• 🖋️ Diplomatic signing of the treaty ended the American Revolutionary War, but only seven states initially showed up to ratify it under the Articles of Confederation.
• 🧑‍🌾 George Washington, after winning the war, resigned his power and returned home, asking only for Congress to find a way to pay his soldiers, such as granting them land in the West.
• 🌍 Virginia settlers in the West, frustrated by lack of military protection during the war, began considering independence or alliances with foreign powers like Spain or France.
• 🌾 The states pressured Virginia to give up claims to the West, which helped Congress control and organize the territory, ensuring security and community development.
• 💸 Congress faced declining fortunes, unable to enforce the peace treaty with Britain or collect debt payments, while states began printing their own money and even waging war on each other.
• 💔 There was growing speculation that the United States might fall apart due to the weak central government, leading to calls for breaking apart and forming regional confederations.
• 📜 Alexander Hamilton believed that the Articles of Confederation could not be fixed and needed to be replaced, but convincing all states to agree was a major challenge.
• ⭐ Hamilton needed George Washington’s star power to give legitimacy to the new convention, and with the help of James Madison, he convinced Washington to attend.
• 📚 James Madison meticulously prepared arguments to address objections to central government, creating the ‘Virginia Plan’ to replace the Articles with a new Constitution.
• 📜 With George Washington's support, the Virginia Plan was accepted, and by the end of the Constitutional Convention, the United States Constitution was created, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris in the American Revolutionary War?

The Treaty of Paris marked the official end of the American Revolutionary War. It was signed by diplomats in Paris, acknowledging the United States' independence from Britain. However, ratifying the treaty required approval from nine states, which initially failed to meet the quorum, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Why did George Washington resign after the Revolutionary War?

George Washington resigned to return power to Congress, refusing to use his popularity or military influence to install himself as a leader. He wanted to retire peacefully as a citizen and urged Congress to pay his soldiers, advocating for land grants in the West to compensate them.

What issues arose with the Western Territories after the Revolutionary War?

The Western Territories became a point of contention, particularly with Virginia, which attempted to sell land to settlers despite ongoing British control of military forts in the area. Settlers, feeling abandoned, began to act independently, even considering aligning with Spain or France. Eventually, Virginia ceded control of the land to Congress.

How did Congress plan to utilize the Western Territories to address national debt?

Congress planned to sell land in the Western Territories to pay off the national debt. They established rules for how the land would be divided, sold, and how towns would be built with public services. This was seen as a way to settle debts and bring stability to the region.

What challenges did Congress face in enforcing the Treaty of Paris?

Congress struggled to enforce the Treaty of Paris, particularly the provision that protected British loyalists' rights to their land. Several states defied the treaty by expelling loyalists, which led the British to retain control of their military forts in the West, arguing that the Americans had violated the agreement.

Why was the Articles of Confederation considered weak by statesmen like Alexander Hamilton?

The Articles of Confederation were seen as weak because they gave Congress very limited power. Congress could not enforce treaties, regulate trade, raise funds, or even ensure that delegates showed up for important meetings. These flaws contributed to the ineffective governance of the new nation.

What role did Alexander Hamilton play in pushing for a new Constitution?

Alexander Hamilton was instrumental in pushing for a new Constitution. He saw the flaws in the Articles of Confederation and used a small convention on trade policies as a platform to argue for a stronger, centralized government. His leadership helped initiate the process to replace the Articles with the U.S. Constitution.

How did James Madison contribute to the movement for a new Constitution?

James Madison worked behind the scenes to gather support for replacing the Articles of Confederation. He played a key role in convincing George Washington to attend the Constitutional Convention and prepared detailed arguments to counter opposition to central government. His 'Virginia Plan' laid the groundwork for the new Constitution.

Why was George Washington's attendance at the Constitutional Convention so important?

George Washington's attendance was critical because of his immense influence and respect among the states. His presence lent credibility to the convention, encouraging other important figures to participate. Madison and Hamilton recognized that Washington's endorsement would make it difficult for delegates to oppose major reforms.

What was the ultimate outcome of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation. This new Constitution created a stronger central government with clearly defined powers, addressing many of the governance issues that had plagued the Confederation.