Us History — 5-topic bundle

When we talk about Colonial America, we're mostly looking at the British colonies along the Atlantic coast, established from the early 17th century through the mid-18th century. While they were all under British rule, they evolved into three distinct regions: the New England Colonies, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies.

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For over a century, Britain had a policy of "salutary neglect" towards its American colonies. This meant they mostly left the colonies alone to govern themselves and develop their own economies, as long as they remained loyal and profitable. This hands-off approach allowed a strong sense of self-reliance and local government to flourish in America.

After the American Revolution, the newly independent states needed a governing document. The first attempt, the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), created a very weak central government. States retained most power, leading to a disjointed nation that couldn't effectively tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. This period highlighted the dangers of too little central authority, culminating in events like Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787), where farmers protesting debt and taxes underscored the Articles' inability to maintain order.

After the Constitution was ratified, the U.S. government started operating under its new framework. However, the exact interpretation of the Constitution and the best path forward for the young nation quickly became hot topics. Two main political factions emerged: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. These weren't just personal squabbles; they were deep philosophical differences about what America should be.