n 1789, it was an open question whether the Constitution
was a workable plan of government. It was unclear whether
the new nation could establish a strong national government,
a vigorous economy, or win the respect of foreign nations.
For a decade, the new nation battled threats to its existence,
including serious disagreements over domestic and foreign
policy and foreign interference with American shipping
and commerce.
The nation's achievements during the first decade under
the Constitution were impressive. The United States adopted
a bill of rights, protecting the rights of the individual
against the power of the central government; enacted a
financial program that secured the nation's credit and
stimulated the economy; and created the first political
parties that involved the enfranchised segment of the
population in national politics. In addition, the country
built a new national capital in Washington, D.C. and became
the first nation to transfer political power peacefully
by an election. In foreign policy, Presidents Washington
and Adams succeeded in keeping the country out of wars
for which it was unprepared.
Background
The United States was the first modern nation to achieve
independence through a successful revolution against colonial
rule. Many other colonies have subsequently won independence,
but few have been as successful in subsequent economic
and political development. Even the United States struggled
to establish itself in its first decade under the constitution.
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