Why might the early years of American government be called the "Critical Period"???

Think about it. We were starting a new country with radical ideas about freedom, liberty, human rights, and participatory democracy. Many, many things could have gone wrong with this fledgling government.

A person who is on the critical list in a hospital is in serious condition. It is not really known if that patient will survive. The government under the Articles Of Confederation was also on the critical list. We did not know if it would survive either.

The early years of American government are often referred to as the "Critical Period" due to several significant challenges and weaknesses that the country faced during this time. This term was coined by historian John Fiske in the late 19th century, reflecting the crucial nature of this period in American history.

Here are a few reasons why the early years of American government were considered critical:

1. Weak Central Government: After gaining independence from Britain, the United States initially operated under the Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government. The national government lacked key powers, such as the ability to tax and regulate trade, which made it difficult to address pressing issues and maintain unity among the states.

2. Economic Instability: The country faced severe economic challenges during the Critical Period. The lack of a national currency and the inability to regulate interstate commerce led to economic disparities between the states. This resulted in financial instability, inflation, and difficulties in paying off war debts.

3. Political Disunity: The states often had conflicting interests and priorities, leading to political disagreements and disputes. This disunity and lack of a strong central authority made it challenging to establish coherent policies and make decisions that were in the best interest of the nation as a whole.

4. Foreign Relations: The United States struggled with its foreign relations during this time. Without a strong central government, it faced difficulties negotiating treaties and conducting foreign affairs. Additionally, foreign powers, such as Britain and Spain, were taking advantage of the country's weakened position to assert their own influence in North America.

To answer this question more thoroughly, you can explore primary sources from this period, such as the Articles of Confederation and the debates surrounding the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, studying the writings of prominent figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who were key players in shaping the new government, will provide deeper insights into the challenges faced during the Critical Period.