The Critical Period (1781 - 1789) Essay Example for Free

The Critical Period (1781 1789) EssayThe season period between 1781 and 1789 is often referred to as the Critical Period, and with a good reason. As a freshly formed country America had a lot to lose if it did not survive and prove its egotism to the world as well as the citizens. Going into the critical period the linked States was run on a lower floor the Articles of Confederation but the lack of a centralized government soon proved the articles to be inept.The Problems with the Articles appeared closely upon completion. The fact that full state approval was requisite to pass any official proclamation meant that recounting never had any real might. Such was the case when in 1783 the Rhode Island Assembly refused to place any taxes on imported goods. Because congress wasnt given any power to enforce the laws only suggest states enforce them the thriftiness as well as national unity suffered.The power to tax was crucial power requisite by the government. Under the Art icles of Confederation the US economy was extremely fragile having just emerged from depression. The market honour would jump thousands of dollars one year and fall the next. The power to tax was needed to help stabilize the volatilizable market.The government also needed to be centralized in order to prove to other countries they were united. Proving to be unified would allow them more leverage when dealing with foreign policies. In a speech do to congress John Jay told of negotiations with Spains Minister, Diego de Gardoqui in which Spain denied the US navigation of the Mississippi River because he didnt see the US as unified and knew there was nothing the US could do about it. The government also needed the power to create treaties and alliances, this was extremely important in the survival of the country. The United States was weakened by the war and needed alliances for protection incase of an invasion.When evaluation these documents it becomes obvious that while not complet ely ineffective, the Articles of Confederation were ultimately ineffective. Had the United States continued to operate under the articles it would have most assuredly fallen to economic and political problems.