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===Foreign Policy Problems under the Articles of Confederation===

===Foreign Policy Problems under the Articles of Confederation===

"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 concerned foreign policy.   

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.

The federal government under the Articles did not have enough power to operate effectively in its foreign relations.  After the war, the British continued to impose trade restrictions on America, and America was powerless to do anything about it.  Americans continued to buy English imports at a furious rate, and this caused money to drain out of America.

The federal government under the Articles did not have enough power to operate effectively in its foreign policy.  After the war, the British continued to impose trade restrictions on America, and America was powerless to do anything about it.  Americans continued to buy English imports at a furious rate, and this caused money to drain out of America.

In the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War, America had agreed to treat Loyalists fairly and return their belongings.  Congress asked the states to do this, but several refused.  The new Congress had no way to make the states obey the nation's commitment.   

In the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War, America had agreed to treat Loyalists fairly and return their belongings.  Congress then asked the states to do this, but several refused.  The new Congress had no way to make the states obey the nation's commitment.   

The British used this violation of the Treaty to justify keeping forces stationed near the Great Lakes.  America had claimed the territory where the British forts stood, but lacked power to drive them out.  So the British in America prospered by trading for furs with the Indians, although the territory they used belonged to the United States.

The British used this violation of the Treaty to justify keeping forces stationed near the Great Lakes.  America had claimed the territory where the British forts stood, but lacked power to drive them out.  So the British in America prospered by trading for furs with the Indians, although the territory they used belonged to the United States.

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.  Although the United States attempted to negotiate but had nothing to offer, so she was helpless.

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.  Although the United States attempted to negotiate but nothing could be achieved without some strength.

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. But the new American government had no money for bribing or fighting the pirates.

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. But the new American government had no money for bribing or fighting the pirates.