Changes

[[File:Dollar1776.jpg|thumb|1776 Continental currency|190px]]

[[File:Dollar1776.jpg|thumb|1776 Continental currency|190px]]

During the war Congress printed paper money called "continentals" that soon became worthless—indeed, any worthless thing was said to be "not worth a continental."  

During the war Congress printed paper money called "[[Continentals]]" that soon became worthless—indeed, any worthless thing was said to be "not worth a continental."  

By the end of the war the national government had foreign debts of $8 million (mostly to French and Dutch bankers), and debts to Americans amounting to $42 million.  Annual interest payments were $2.5 million. The Congress had no taxing powers, and the states were reluctant to give it money.  It borrowed more from Europe. The best solution was to sell land.

By the end of the war the national government had foreign debts of $8 million (mostly to French and Dutch bankers), and debts to Americans amounting to $42 million.  Annual interest payments were $2.5 million. The Congress had no taxing powers, and the states were reluctant to give it money.  It borrowed more from Europe. The best solution was to sell land.