Problems under the Articles

Domestic:

  • Western land claims: Congress did not have the power to govern anything past the 13 colonies even though people lived there and it was claimed by the states.
  • Continental currency was inflated, Congress could not tax
  • Renewed trade with Britain led to a flood of cheap British goods, which Congress had no power to regulate and put American businesses out of business
  • Economic recession exacerbated by Congress’s inability to make regulations on economic matters
  • Land ordinance of 1785: Reveals what America values and what Congress wants to push on the states.
  • Congress has no power, receives no respect from the states

International:

  • British forces continue to occupy frontier posts
  • Border dispute leads to Spain closing off port of New Orleans
    • Americans in the northwest are unable to send goods down to New Orleans, and thus anywhere else.