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The British prime minister at the time, Lord North, broke down and sobbed when he heard the news.

Birth of a nation
After the British withdrew, Loyalists were allowed to remain, but about 2 percent opted to emigrate to Canada and the Caribbean.
The British government gave the Americans their independence in return for a trade agreement that would benefit both sides. The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, gave the Americans a western border on the Mississippi, and control of the Old North West-an area extending from the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to the Great Lakes.
Conflicts over the issue of slavery threatened to divide the nation, but the new republic had great political hopes, which they set out in the 1781 Articles of Confederation, and later the Constitution of June 21, 1788. George Washington was elected as the first president in 1789, giving the federal
Stars and Stripes
Dating from about 1830, this hand-sewn flag has 13 stars and 13 stripes, to commemorate the 13 original colonies that rebelled against the British.
(central) government exclusive power in the conduct of diplomacy, commerce, and war. Congress was to consist of two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. In addition, a Supreme Court was set up to interpret laws and safeguard the Constitution, which stated that all men were born equal, and had an equal voice in government. As you read, record your notes in the space below. Your notes should focus on key ideas and defining terms you do not know. as a 8th grader

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Notes on the Birth of a Nation

1. British Withdrawal and Loyalists:

  • Lord North's Reaction: The British Prime Minister, Lord North, was deeply emotional upon hearing the news of American independence.
  • Loyalists: After the British withdrew, Loyalists (those who remained loyal to Britain) had the option to stay in America or emigrate. About 2% chose to leave for Canada and the Caribbean.

2. Treaty of Paris (1783):

  • Independence and Trade: The British granted Americans independence in exchange for a trade agreement.
  • Borders Defined: The treaty set the western border of the United States at the Mississippi River and granted control over the Old Northwest territory (land from the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to the Great Lakes).

3. Political Framework:

  • Slavery Conflicts: Disagreements over slavery posed a threat to national unity, highlighting the challenges the new republic faced.
  • Articles of Confederation (1781): The initial governing document outlining the framework for the new government.
  • U.S. Constitution (June 21, 1788): A more defined and stronger framework for government, establishing federal authority.

4. Early Leadership:

  • George Washington: Elected as the first president in 1789, marking the beginning of a federal government with significant powers.

5. Government Structure:

  • Central Government Powers: The federal government was granted exclusive powers over diplomacy, commerce, and war.
  • Congress Structure:
    • Bicameral Congress: Composed of two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Judicial Branch: Establishment of a Supreme Court to interpret laws and protect the Constitution.

6. Key Principles:

  • Equality: The Constitution states that all men are born equal and should have an equal voice in government.

7. Symbolism of the Flag:

  • Stars and Stripes Flag: Dating from around 1830, features 13 stars and 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies that fought for independence.

Definitions:

  • Loyalist: A person who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.
  • Treaty of Paris (1783): The agreement that officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
  • Federal Government: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual states.
  • Bicameral: A legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses.
  • Supreme Court: The highest judicial court in a country or state.

Summary:

The notes outline the significant events and frameworks that led to the establishment of the United States as an independent nation. The Treaty of Paris marked the end of British rule, while the Constitution laid the foundation for a new government with defined powers and principles of equality. The iconic Stars and Stripes flag serves as a symbol of the unity and struggle of the original 13 colonies.