how can the period from 1783-1789 be viewed as simply a transitional period instead of a critical time.
Please i need a lot of information about how it was simily a transitional period with some developments.
In my opinion, the Critical Period was a combination of both a critical time and a transitional time. The founders of our nation had laid a firm groundwork with a solid constitution for our nation to develop. This period just needed to follow the Constitution in order to preserve the union. Any new country, just as any new marriage, undergoes a transition period. Sometimes crises develop, but with a firm background, these crises are solved and the relationship moves on and matures.
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http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/202445/the_critical_period_how_critical_was.html
John Fiske (look him up), who termed those years in the US the "critical period" in fact believed in evolution of government. I would call the years immediately preceding this period, when the American Revolution took place "critical". As for 1783-1789, I would call it a period of experimentation and development of a new form of government, evolving from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution of the United States. However you can argue both points of view and I think your teacher is asking you to concentrate on the transition from cobbled together Continental Congress to weak Confederation to the final (sort of final) government under the Constitution.
The period from 1783 to 1789 in American history, commonly known as the Revolutionary Era, can indeed be viewed as a transitional period rather than a critical time. While it marked the transition from the Revolutionary War to the establishment of a new nation, it was not characterized by immediate, groundbreaking changes. However, there were still significant developments during this period that shaped the future of the United States. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Political Transition: The Revolutionary War ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, which formally recognized American independence from Britain. During this period, the focus shifted from achieving independence to determining the structure and governance of the new nation. The Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government, were adopted in 1781, but it became clear that they needed revision to address their limitations. This led to discussions that ultimately resulted in the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787-1789.
To understand the transitional nature of this period, it is important to recognize that the Articles of Confederation era was a temporary system that lacked adequate central authority. The development and ratification of the Constitution marked a significant transition toward a stronger federal government with the ability to address the weaknesses of the previous government structure.
2. Economic Transitions: Post-revolutionary America experienced economic challenges, including inflation, debt, and economic depression. However, there were also developments that laid the groundwork for future growth. For example, the Peace of Paris granted the United States vast territorial expansion, opening up opportunities for westward expansion and economic development. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provided a blueprint for governing these new territories and established a process for admitting them as states. While the full impact of these economic transitions took time to materialize, they set the stage for the economic growth that followed.
3. Social and Cultural Shifts: The Revolutionary Era brought about changes in social and cultural norms. The ideas of liberty and equality espoused during the Revolution had a profound impact on American society, leading to a shift towards greater democracy and individual rights. However, it is important to note that these changes were gradual and did not fully materialize during this transitional period. It took subsequent years and continued social movements to bring about significant advancements in areas such as the abolition of slavery, women's rights, and indigenous rights.
To summarize, while the period from 1783-1789 can be seen as a transitional period, it was not a critical time characterized by immediate, transformative changes. Instead, it set the stage for future developments, including the establishment of a stronger federal government and the expansion of the United States. Understanding this transitional nature requires analyzing the political, economic, and social changes that unfolded during this period and their long-term effects on the nation.