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

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