Describe the events that led the 13 colonies from a newly independent nation to a transcontinental country by examining selected documents involving the growth of the United States, its development of economic systems, and US territorial growth. Formulate questions and address these questions by using historical research and study to evaluate historical events and their impact. Evaluate primary and secondary sources by focusing on the author’s main points, purpose, and perspective; examining different points of views; and assessing the credibility and validity of the pieces that analyze the different forms of government in human history.Background History During the American Revolution the thirteen colonies fought to gain its independence from Great Britain. After the war ended in 1783, the newly formed United States needed to determine how to function in the world. They were still being governed under the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution was ratified in 1787. Even then the thirteen states needed a plan to insure that the newly formed nation would continue. To accomplish this goal the United States needed to create a strong economic plan. Part of the reason for such a plan was to pay off war debts incurred during the American Revolution. Another was to provide revenue to the federal government to insure that it could continue operating. Another issue concerning the newly formed nation was to seek peace with foreign countries. The French Revolution provided newly sought freedoms to the poor citizens of France in the same year the first Congress met. Meanwhile the British were still the dominating naval power of the world, and the British East India Trading company had a monopoly on trade. The United States would need to deal with Great Britain to export their locally created goods. Lastly, there was an issue of the territory that the United States gained from the Treaty of Paris, the treaty that ended the American Revolution. Potions of the territory northwest of the thirteen colonies that previously belonged to Great Britain was now part of the United States. However, this northwest territory had not been admitted to the United States as states. There were many concerns on how the new territory would be incorporated into the country. Writing Prompt In this writing assignment, you will describe the events that led the thirteen colonies from newly independent country to a transcontinental nation. You will be reviewing the period of American history from 1787 to 1849. In this essay you will want to discuss economic improvements (National Bank, American System, First Industrial Revolution), War of 1812, and westward expansion (Louisiana Purchase, Texas Revolution, Mexican American War). The central theme of this writing assignment will be to determine how the United States became stronger after it became independent.
