''Shays's Rebellion''(Set:$shays to true)
Showing your support for Massachusetts is the most you can do, as you have no ability to create your own army. Thankfully, the Massachusetts militia is able to capture the rebels. Although they were to be put to death, Massachusetts ends up freeing most of the rebels, including Shays. They were afraid that it could cause more citizens to revolt.
[[Move on to other issues|Start]]''The Land Ordinance of 1785''
In the Treaty of Paris of 1783, the United States received all the land between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains, as long as it was south of Canada. We need to figure out how to make this land into new states, when the people who live there are ready.
What should we do first?
[[Figure out how to divide the land|LOCorrect]]
[[Set up a new political system|LOWrong]]''Foreign Relations''
Your new nation needs to make deals with its ally, Spain, and its former enemy, Britain. Which country would you like to deal with first?
[[Bestie Spain|Spain]]
[[Rival Britain|Britain]]''The Economy''
The beginning of any nation can be rocky, and this is no exception. The current economy of the United States is not very strong. There are two major issues. Which one would you like to deal with first?
(If: $isc is false)[[Interstate Commerce]]
(If: $inflation is false)[[Inflation]]''Shays's Rebellion''
It seems there is to be no peace in the colonies yet. ''Massachusetts'' decided to tax its farmers instead of printing more money and causing inflation. Unsurprisingly, the farmers did not like this very much. In August 1786, a man by the name of ''Daniel Shays'' is leading a mob of farmers against the government. His men have shut down the Supreme Court in Springfield, Massachusetts. The state has threatened them with death but they are only more determined. What should you do at the national level?
[[Send in the army|Shays army]]
[[Express your support for the Massachusetts government|Shays wait]]''The Land Ordinance of 1785''
That's right! In 1785 you and the rest of Congress decide to pass the ''Land Ordinance of 1785'' which set up a system for surveying and dividing land in the west. Some of this land was reserved for veterans of the American Revolution. It also set aside land for public schools.
When do you think new states should be able to join the US?
[[Right Away|NOWrong]]
[[They should meet some requirements|NOCorrect]]''The Land Ordinance of 1785''
While the western territories did need a new political system, we need to figure out how to divide them first. In 1785 you decide to pass a law called the ''Land Ordinance of 1785'' which set up a system for surveying and dividing land in the west. Some of this land was reserved for veterans of the American Revolution. It also set aside land for public schools.
When do you think new states should be able to join the US?
[[Right Away|NOWrong]]
[[They should meet some requirements|NOCorrect]]''Britain''
You might have just fought a war with Britain, but they are one of the most powerful countries in the world, so you have to deal with them. There are two major problems in your relationship with Britain. Which one do you want to deal with first?
[[British military presence]]
[[Trade with Britain]](Set: $spain to true)
''Spain''
You try to put a plan through Congress to fix your trade relationship with Spain. However, you are unable to get a majority of your fellow congress members to vote for your plan. The U.S. is stuck without access to the Mississippi River.
(Unless: $britainfort is true)+(Unless: $britaintrade is true)[[Try to deal with Britain|Britain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''British Forts''
When you signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, you agreed that the British would abandon their ''forts'' in the colonies. However, they have been slow to do so. These forts are valuable to you and you want the British off YOUR land. How do you want to solve this problem?
[[Ask nicely|BritMilNice]]
[[Raise an army|BritMilMean]]''Trade with Britain''
Britain is one of the world's largest economies, so it is important to trade with them. In addition, your economy has been dependent on them for a long time. However, Britain has closed many of its ports to American ships, including ports in the Caribbean. Britain has also passed ''tariffs'' which taxed imports and exports. This made prices more expensive for Americans. How would you like to solve this problem?
[[Tax the British back|Tariffs]]
[[Ignore the problem|Ignore Britain]]''Interstate Commerce''
Every state has different laws for trade, which makes trading between the states super complicated. However, not every state can produce every good efficiently, so ''interstate commerce'' is necessary. How do you want to fix this issue?
[[Regulate Interstate Commerce]]
[[Leave it alone|IgnoreISC]]''Inflation''
While you may finally be able to print your own money, it is losing value rapidly. You are having a having a hard time paying your debts and collecting the small amount of taxes the states allowed you to enact. How are you going to pay your debts and make money?
[[Print more money|InflationOops]]
[[Just tough it out|bad news bears]]There are many challenges awaiting you. Which one would you like to tackle first?
(if: $no is false) [[Figuring out how new states should join the union|Land Ordinance of 1785]]
(Unless: $spain is true)+(UNless: $britainfort is true)+(Unless: $britaintrade is true)[[Dealing with other countries|Foreign Relations]]
(Unless: $inflation is true)+(Unless: $isc is true)[[Fixing the economy|Economy]]
(if: $shays is false)[[Putting down unrest|Shays's Rebellion]]
(if: $no is true)+(If: $spain is true)+(if: $britainfort is true)+(if: $britaintrade is true)+(if: $inflation is true)+(if: $isc is true)+(if: $shays is true)[[Review]](Set: $no to true)
''The Northwest Ordinance of 1787''
Congress member, we can't just let them join the United States with no political system! We need some standards. The new territories, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin need to develop themselves first. Each potential state should have 60,000 people and draft its own Constitution first. In the meantime, they will have a governor appointed by our Congress.
[[Focus on another issue|Start]](Set: $no to true)
''The Northwest Ordinance of 1787''
Excellent idea Congress member, we can't just let them join the United States with no political system! We need some standards. The new territories, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin need to develop themselves first. Each potential state should have 60,000 people and draft its own Constitution first. In the meantime, they will have a governor appointed by our Congress.
[[Focus on another issue|Start]](Set: $no to false, $spain to false, $britainfort to false, $britaintrade to false, $inflation to false, $isc to false, $shays to false)
You are a member of Congress. You have many important decisions to make and the future of the United States is at stake. Are you ready to begin?
[[Yes|Start]]
[[No|Landing Page]]''Spain''
Although ''Spain'' helped you a lot during the war, and received Florida in exchange, your relationship with Spain is not as good as it used to be. In 1784 Spanish officials decided to close the lower portion of the ''Mississippi river'' to American shipping. This made it hard for people in the west to sell their goods. What do you want to do?
[[Ignore Spain|IgnoreSpain]]
[[Try to make a deal with Spain|Fix Spain]]''Interstate Commerce''
(Set: $isc to true)While regulating interstate commerce and making sure the states' laws aligned would definitely help the economy, you do not have the power to do it. The states are fiercely protective of their right to make their own laws. As a result, trade between the states keeps getting more complicated and the economy gets worse. What do you want to do next?
(If: $inflation is false)[[Deal with inflation|Inflation]]
[[Take a break from the economy|Start]]''Interstate Commerce''
(Set: $isc to true)Ignoring the potential collapse of your ecconomy is never a good idea, but there isn't much you can do. It is not in your power to regulate interstate commerce. The different laws about trade in the states make the economy worse, and it is not looking good for the country.
(If: $inflation is false)[[Deal with inflation|Inflation]]
[[Take a break from the economy|Start]](Set: $britainfort to true)''British Forts''
While you ask the British politely to speed up their move, it does not seem to have much of an effect. They continue to slowly exit their forts, leaving a potentially hostile military presence in your lands.
(If: $britaintrade is false)[[Trade with Britain]]
(If: $spain is false)[[Trade with Spain|Spain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''British Forts''
(Set: $britainfort to true) While you might want to raise an army to force Britain out of its forts, there are a few problems with that. First, you have no ability to raise an army. You could ask the states for soldiers but they will likely refuse, no one wants to start another war. The British soldiers in Canada have threatened to attack if you take military action against the forts. You simply have to wait for them to leave. What do you want to do next?
(If: $britaintrade is false)[[Negotiate Trade with Britain|Trade with Britain]]
(If: $spain is false)[[Negotiate Trade with Spain|Spain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''Inflation''
(Set: $inflation to true)Unfortunately, printing more money actually makes the money worth less. This is called ''inflation''. People can buy less with a $1 bill than they used to. Combined with a lack of production in the economy due to difficulties with trade, there is danger of a ''depression''. What do you want to do next?
(If: $isc is false)[[Try to regulate interstate commerce|Interstate Commerce]]''Inflation''
(Set: $inflation to true)Well Congress member, ignoring your problems hasn't really gotten you anywhere. Some of the states, such as Rhode Island, are rapidly printing money, trying to pay off their own debts. The more money they print, the less that money is worth. This is called ''inflation''. This combined with the lack of production could create something called a ''depression''. Things aren't looking good for the American economy. What do you want to do next?
(If: $isc is false)[[Deal with interstate commerce|Interstate Commerce]]
[[Take a break from the economy|Start]]''Shays's Rebellion''
(Set: $shays to true)While you can definitely ask the states for troops, you cannot raise an army of your own. The others are not particularly inclined to help and Massachusetts is already quite busy dealing with the problem on their own. Thankfully, they are able to capture the rebels. Although they were to be put to death, Massachusetts ends up freeing most of the rebels, including Shays. They were afraid that it could cause more citizens to revolt.
[[Tackle another problem|Start]](Set: $britaintrade to true)
''Trade with Britain''
Hey, if the British are putting increased taxes on your goods, why shouldn't you do it back? Unfortunately, you don't have the power to do so. Britain is one of the world's largest economies, so the lack of trade with them hurts you deeply. The American economy just keeps getting worse. What would you like to do next?
(If: $britainfort is false)[[Deal with the British forts|British military presence]]
(If: $spain is false)[[Negotiate with Spain|Spain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]](Set: $britaintrade to true)
''Trade with Britain''
Even though you wish it would make your problems go away, ignoring Britain does not change the fact that they are one of the world's biggest economic superpowers. The lack of trade with Britain continues to hurt the American economy and people think less of you for doing nothing.
(If: $spain is false)[[Trade with Spain|Spain]]
(If: $britainfort is false)[[Deal with the matter of British forts|British military presence]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]](Set: $spain to true)
''Spain''
Although ignoring your neighbors is never a good idea, Spain is proving resistant to all efforts to change their mind. Another of the Congress members attempts to pass a law fixing the relationship with Spain but no one is able to come to an agreement. The Mississippi River will stay closed for now.
(Unless: $britainfort is true)+(Unless: $britaintrade is true)[[Try to negotiate with Britain|Britain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''Conclusion''
This has certainly been a trying time Congressmember. It's hard to believe that we built a country with so many problems. Although I know you have been trying your best, the future of the country is uncertain. Do we keep going with the Articles or create something new?
[[Play Again|Landing Page]]
Articles of Confederation
''Shays's Rebellion''(Set:$shays to true)
Showing your support for Massachusetts is the most you can do, as you have no ability to create your own army. Thankfully, the Massachusetts militia is able to capture the rebels. Although they were to be put to death, Massachusetts ends up freeing most of the rebels, including Shays. They were afraid that it could cause more citizens to revolt.
[[Move on to other issues|Start]]''The Land Ordinance of 1785''
In the Treaty of Paris of 1783, the United States received all the land between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains, as long as it was south of Canada. We need to figure out how to make this land into new states, when the people who live there are ready.
What should we do first?
[[Figure out how to divide the land|LOCorrect]]
[[Set up a new political system|LOWrong]]''Foreign Relations''
Your new nation needs to make deals with its ally, Spain, and its former enemy, Britain. Which country would you like to deal with first?
[[Bestie Spain|Spain]]
[[Rival Britain|Britain]]''The Economy''
The beginning of any nation can be rocky, and this is no exception. The current economy of the United States is not very strong. There are two major issues. Which one would you like to deal with first?
(If: $isc is false)[[Interstate Commerce]]
(If: $inflation is false)[[Inflation]]''Shays's Rebellion''
It seems there is to be no peace in the colonies yet. ''Massachusetts'' decided to tax its farmers instead of printing more money and causing inflation. Unsurprisingly, the farmers did not like this very much. In August 1786, a man by the name of ''Daniel Shays'' is leading a mob of farmers against the government. His men have shut down the Supreme Court in Springfield, Massachusetts. The state has threatened them with death but they are only more determined. What should you do at the national level?
[[Send in the army|Shays army]]
[[Express your support for the Massachusetts government|Shays wait]]''The Land Ordinance of 1785''
That's right! In 1785 you and the rest of Congress decide to pass the ''Land Ordinance of 1785'' which set up a system for surveying and dividing land in the west. Some of this land was reserved for veterans of the American Revolution. It also set aside land for public schools.
When do you think new states should be able to join the US?
[[Right Away|NOWrong]]
[[They should meet some requirements|NOCorrect]]''The Land Ordinance of 1785''
While the western territories did need a new political system, we need to figure out how to divide them first. In 1785 you decide to pass a law called the ''Land Ordinance of 1785'' which set up a system for surveying and dividing land in the west. Some of this land was reserved for veterans of the American Revolution. It also set aside land for public schools.
When do you think new states should be able to join the US?
[[Right Away|NOWrong]]
[[They should meet some requirements|NOCorrect]]''Britain''
You might have just fought a war with Britain, but they are one of the most powerful countries in the world, so you have to deal with them. There are two major problems in your relationship with Britain. Which one do you want to deal with first?
[[British military presence]]
[[Trade with Britain]](Set: $spain to true)
''Spain''
You try to put a plan through Congress to fix your trade relationship with Spain. However, you are unable to get a majority of your fellow congress members to vote for your plan. The U.S. is stuck without access to the Mississippi River.
(Unless: $britainfort is true)+(Unless: $britaintrade is true)[[Try to deal with Britain|Britain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''British Forts''
When you signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, you agreed that the British would abandon their ''forts'' in the colonies. However, they have been slow to do so. These forts are valuable to you and you want the British off YOUR land. How do you want to solve this problem?
[[Ask nicely|BritMilNice]]
[[Raise an army|BritMilMean]]''Trade with Britain''
Britain is one of the world's largest economies, so it is important to trade with them. In addition, your economy has been dependent on them for a long time. However, Britain has closed many of its ports to American ships, including ports in the Caribbean. Britain has also passed ''tariffs'' which taxed imports and exports. This made prices more expensive for Americans. How would you like to solve this problem?
[[Tax the British back|Tariffs]]
[[Ignore the problem|Ignore Britain]]''Interstate Commerce''
Every state has different laws for trade, which makes trading between the states super complicated. However, not every state can produce every good efficiently, so ''interstate commerce'' is necessary. How do you want to fix this issue?
[[Regulate Interstate Commerce]]
[[Leave it alone|IgnoreISC]]''Inflation''
While you may finally be able to print your own money, it is losing value rapidly. You are having a having a hard time paying your debts and collecting the small amount of taxes the states allowed you to enact. How are you going to pay your debts and make money?
[[Print more money|InflationOops]]
[[Just tough it out|bad news bears]]There are many challenges awaiting you. Which one would you like to tackle first?
(if: $no is false) [[Figuring out how new states should join the union|Land Ordinance of 1785]]
(Unless: $spain is true)+(UNless: $britainfort is true)+(Unless: $britaintrade is true)[[Dealing with other countries|Foreign Relations]]
(Unless: $inflation is true)+(Unless: $isc is true)[[Fixing the economy|Economy]]
(if: $shays is false)[[Putting down unrest|Shays's Rebellion]]
(if: $no is true)+(If: $spain is true)+(if: $britainfort is true)+(if: $britaintrade is true)+(if: $inflation is true)+(if: $isc is true)+(if: $shays is true)[[Review]](Set: $no to true)
''The Northwest Ordinance of 1787''
Congress member, we can't just let them join the United States with no political system! We need some standards. The new territories, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin need to develop themselves first. Each potential state should have 60,000 people and draft its own Constitution first. In the meantime, they will have a governor appointed by our Congress.
[[Focus on another issue|Start]](Set: $no to true)
''The Northwest Ordinance of 1787''
Excellent idea Congress member, we can't just let them join the United States with no political system! We need some standards. The new territories, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin need to develop themselves first. Each potential state should have 60,000 people and draft its own Constitution first. In the meantime, they will have a governor appointed by our Congress.
[[Focus on another issue|Start]](Set: $no to false, $spain to false, $britainfort to false, $britaintrade to false, $inflation to false, $isc to false, $shays to false)
You are a member of Congress. You have many important decisions to make and the future of the United States is at stake. Are you ready to begin?
[[Yes|Start]]
[[No|Landing Page]]''Spain''
Although ''Spain'' helped you a lot during the war, and received Florida in exchange, your relationship with Spain is not as good as it used to be. In 1784 Spanish officials decided to close the lower portion of the ''Mississippi river'' to American shipping. This made it hard for people in the west to sell their goods. What do you want to do?
[[Ignore Spain|IgnoreSpain]]
[[Try to make a deal with Spain|Fix Spain]]''Interstate Commerce''
(Set: $isc to true)While regulating interstate commerce and making sure the states' laws aligned would definitely help the economy, you do not have the power to do it. The states are fiercely protective of their right to make their own laws. As a result, trade between the states keeps getting more complicated and the economy gets worse. What do you want to do next?
(If: $inflation is false)[[Deal with inflation|Inflation]]
[[Take a break from the economy|Start]]''Interstate Commerce''
(Set: $isc to true)Ignoring the potential collapse of your ecconomy is never a good idea, but there isn't much you can do. It is not in your power to regulate interstate commerce. The different laws about trade in the states make the economy worse, and it is not looking good for the country.
(If: $inflation is false)[[Deal with inflation|Inflation]]
[[Take a break from the economy|Start]](Set: $britainfort to true)''British Forts''
While you ask the British politely to speed up their move, it does not seem to have much of an effect. They continue to slowly exit their forts, leaving a potentially hostile military presence in your lands.
(If: $britaintrade is false)[[Trade with Britain]]
(If: $spain is false)[[Trade with Spain|Spain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''British Forts''
(Set: $britainfort to true) While you might want to raise an army to force Britain out of its forts, there are a few problems with that. First, you have no ability to raise an army. You could ask the states for soldiers but they will likely refuse, no one wants to start another war. The British soldiers in Canada have threatened to attack if you take military action against the forts. You simply have to wait for them to leave. What do you want to do next?
(If: $britaintrade is false)[[Negotiate Trade with Britain|Trade with Britain]]
(If: $spain is false)[[Negotiate Trade with Spain|Spain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''Inflation''
(Set: $inflation to true)Unfortunately, printing more money actually makes the money worth less. This is called ''inflation''. People can buy less with a $1 bill than they used to. Combined with a lack of production in the economy due to difficulties with trade, there is danger of a ''depression''. What do you want to do next?
(If: $isc is false)[[Try to regulate interstate commerce|Interstate Commerce]]''Inflation''
(Set: $inflation to true)Well Congress member, ignoring your problems hasn't really gotten you anywhere. Some of the states, such as Rhode Island, are rapidly printing money, trying to pay off their own debts. The more money they print, the less that money is worth. This is called ''inflation''. This combined with the lack of production could create something called a ''depression''. Things aren't looking good for the American economy. What do you want to do next?
(If: $isc is false)[[Deal with interstate commerce|Interstate Commerce]]
[[Take a break from the economy|Start]]''Shays's Rebellion''
(Set: $shays to true)While you can definitely ask the states for troops, you cannot raise an army of your own. The others are not particularly inclined to help and Massachusetts is already quite busy dealing with the problem on their own. Thankfully, they are able to capture the rebels. Although they were to be put to death, Massachusetts ends up freeing most of the rebels, including Shays. They were afraid that it could cause more citizens to revolt.
[[Tackle another problem|Start]](Set: $britaintrade to true)
''Trade with Britain''
Hey, if the British are putting increased taxes on your goods, why shouldn't you do it back? Unfortunately, you don't have the power to do so. Britain is one of the world's largest economies, so the lack of trade with them hurts you deeply. The American economy just keeps gettign worse. What would you like to do next?
(If: $britainfort is false)[[Deal with the British forts|British military presence]]
(If: $spain is false)[[Negotiate with Spain|Spain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]](Set: $britaintrade to true)
''Trade with Britain''
Even though you wish it would make your problems go away, ignoring Britain does not change the fact that they are one of the world's biggest economic superpowers. The lack of trade with Britain continues to hurt the American economy and people think less of you for doing nothing.
(If: $spain is false)[[Trade with Spain|Spain]]
(If: $britainfort is false)[[Deal with the matter of British forts|British military presence]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]](Set: $spain to true)
''Spain''
Although ignoring your neighbors is never a good idea, Spain is proving resistant to all efforts to change their mind. Another of the Congress members attempts to pass a law fixing the relationship with Spain but no one is able to come to an agreement. The Mississippi River will stay closed for now.
(Unless: $britainfort is true)+(Unless: $britaintrade is true)[[Try to negotiate with Britain|Britain]]
[[Take a break from foreign politics|Start]]''Conclusion''
This has certainly been a trying time Congressmember. It's hard to believe that we built a country with so many problems. Although I know you have been trying your best, the future of the country is uncertain. Do we keep going with the Articles or create something new?
[[Play Again|Landing Page]]
↶↷↶↷
You are a member of Congress. You have many important decisions to make and the future of the United States is at stake. Are you ready to begin?
Yes
No