The Confederation Era

The early 1800s were a time of optimism and hope. People believed that they could create a better society, based on Christian morals and culture. During this time, America saw a “revival” of religious interest and fervor. Protestant preachers held camp meetings where they preached to large groups of people.…

During the Constitutional Convention, Abigail Adams reminded her husband, John Adams, to “remember the ladies.” Unfortunately, her advice wasn’t heeded. Although the Declaration of Independence declared that all men are equal, free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness, women in America were given few rights. Women could not own property,…

Art and literature had flourished in Europe for centuries. Although many early American settlers were well-read and educated, most writings were personal journals or political essays. Folk art, including signs, flags, and quilts were common. America began to develop its own literary and artistic voice in the early-to-mid 1800s. Fun…

Imagine a world in which almost all your food, clothing, toys, tools, and furniture were grown or made by your own family or a nearby craftsman. Most of your day would be spent working. Because handmade goods were costly and took so much time to make, you’d have only a…

The Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s pitted Great Britain against France. America tried unsuccessfully to remain neutral. Both the warring countries harassed U.S. ships, but Great Britain, in particular, stopped American ships, interfering with trade. British fleets even seized American sailors, forcing them to serve the Royal Navy. Americans…

Thomas Jefferson was interested in learning more about the country west of the Mississippi River. In 1803, he persuaded Congress to pay for an expedition to explore this land. In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, both army officers, set out on their expedition. Their journey took more than…

Thomas Jefferson believed that a strong, free nation could only be maintained by strong, free people. For centuries in Europe, most people had belonged to a class system. Peasants worked on farms or in factories for a few people who owned most of the land and wealth. Peasants had little…

The Constitution lays out the organization of our government with three governmental branches. The Constitution doesn’t say much about the rights of the people, though. This concerned the Founding Fathers. In 1789, James Madison offered several amendments to the Constitution which protected individual liberty. Congress approved the additions, which became…

George Washington was the leader of the Continental Army, guiding the country to freedom, but his role didn’t end after the Revolutionary War. George Washington was so beloved that he was unanimously voted the first President of the United States. He served for two terms (eight years). He had given…