Early U.S.

Federalist Papers

Articles of Confederation As the first written constitution of the newly independent United States, the Articles of Confederation nominally granted Congress the power to conduct foreign policy, maintain armed forces and coin money. But in practice, this centralized government body had little authority over the individual states, including no power to levy taxes or regulate […]

Whiskey Rebellion

What Caused the Whiskey Rebellion?  During the American Revolution, individual states incurred significant amounts of debt. In 1790, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton pushed for the federal government to take over that debt. He also suggested an excise tax on whiskey to prevent further financial difficulty. President George Washington was opposed to Hamilton’s suggestion of a […]

Alien and Sedition Acts

Dueling Political Parties  The Federalist Party, which supported a strong central government, had largely dominated politics in the new nation before 1796 when John Adams won election as the second U.S. president. In opposition to the Federalists stood the Democratic-Republican Party, also known as Jeffersonians for their ideological leader, Thomas Jefferson. The Democratic-Republican Party (forerunner […]

How Shays’ Rebellion Changed America

Get the story behind the uprising that propelled the Constitutional Convention to form a stronger national government.

When Whiskey Was the Backbone of the US Economy

A surplus of U.S. corn crops led to a boom in whiskey sales—and consumption—following the Revolutionary War.

10 Surprising Facts About General Custer

The controversial general was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

The Pledge of Allegiance

Take a look back at the origins of and history behind the customary salute to the American flag.

Puritanism

How did the differences between Pilgrims and Puritans help shape the states of New England?

This Day in History: 07/11/1804 – Burr Slays Hamilton in Duel