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| | ===Foreign Policy Problems under the Articles of Confederation=== | | ===Foreign Policy Problems under the Articles of Confederation=== |
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| − | "Foreign policy" is the term for how a country (in this case, the young United States) deals with other countries. The Articles of Confederation made it almost impossible for the former colonies to speak with one voice on foreign policy concerned foreign policy. | + | "Foreign policy" is the term for how a country (in this case, the young United States) deals with other countries. The Articles of Confederation made it almost impossible for the former colonies to speak with one voice on foreign policy. |
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| | In the 1780s, before and after the Revolution, the United States was a mere baby in the world. We were far weaker in every respect than European countries. Comparing the [[United States]] to [[England]] at that time would be like comparing a child to an adult. Just obtaining respect was a struggle, and the Articles made it worse. | | In the 1780s, before and after the Revolution, the United States was a mere baby in the world. We were far weaker in every respect than European countries. Comparing the [[United States]] to [[England]] at that time would be like comparing a child to an adult. Just obtaining respect was a struggle, and the Articles made it worse. |
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| | The Spanish claimed the territory west of the Mississippi and exclusive navigation of the Mississippi River, which was a key trading route for the new land acquired by the United States west of the Appalachian mountains. Spain knew that the United States was too weak to fight for its territory. The United States attempted to negotiate but nothing could be achieved without some strength. | | The Spanish claimed the territory west of the Mississippi and exclusive navigation of the Mississippi River, which was a key trading route for the new land acquired by the United States west of the Appalachian mountains. Spain knew that the United States was too weak to fight for its territory. The United States attempted to negotiate but nothing could be achieved without some strength. |
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| − | Across the ocean in the Mediterranean, American trade was interrupted by piracy off of the Barbary Coast (modern day Tunisia). Previously, America had been protected from the pirates by England, but now America was obliged to pay its own way. The new American government had no money for bribing or fighting the pirates. | + | Across the Altantic Ocean from the United States, in the Mediterranean, American trade was interrupted by piracy off of the Barbary Coast (modern day Tunisia). Previously, America had been protected from the pirates by England, but now America was obliged to pay its own way. The new American government had no money for bribing or fighting the pirates. |
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| | ===Financial Problems under the Articles of Confederation=== | | ===Financial Problems under the Articles of Confederation=== |