George Washington University
George Washington University: First Federal Congress: Expansion of the Empire
A look at the challenges that faced the new government especially in regard to the vast territory it won from Britain. Read about how the first Congress addressed these issues and set precedents for years to come. From a project of...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
Lesson with activity in which students study and analyze the challenges surrounding constitutional rights and national security by focussing on the Alien and Sedition Act, 1798 and definitions of American freedom. Links to primary...
Digital History
Digital History: Years of Crisis
It's not surprising the United States would have challenges in its first years. Read about the problems with foreign countries, its own citizens who resisted taxes, and dealings with Native Americans.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Politics in Transition: Public Conflict in the 1790s
A brief overview of the struggles taking place in politics in the 1790s. Even the honorable George Washington was not sheltered from contentious criticism. Read about the foreign and domestic problems that loomed in that decade.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Native American Resilience and Violence in the West
Learn about the struggles the new United States government had in coming to terms with the various Native American tribes who lived in the new country.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Unsettled Domestic Issues
The new United States government faced many threats to its success. Read this overview of the possible problems.