Beginning of Essay
Before the Constitution, there was the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation was a new national government that reserved freedom, sovereignty, and independence for the states. The Articles of confederation provided an effective form of governm ....

Middle of Essay
.... Mississippi River. On the other hand, foreign relations with Britain were strained. After the Articles of Confederation were established, Britain put stricter restrictions on United States commerce. United States foodstuffs, lumber, and tobacco were all welcomed in Britain, but only if it arrived in British ships. The United States ships lost all privileges to trade their merchandise to the West Indies and were forced to pay high custom fees for landing their cargo in Britain. As a result of one-half of United States exports going to Great Britain or the West Indian Colonies, British shippers were able to increase their share of Atlantic trade ....