The U.S. Faces Challenges in Post-Revolution America

We have covered the American Revolution. We are now moving on to what America was like after the American Revolution. Like we have discussed, America faced many challenges as they began life as an independent country. So now, at this point, we must ask ourselves, which of the five challenges facing America required the most immediate attention? In other words, which challenge did America need to deal with FIRST? Once again, here are the five MAIN challenges America faced:
1. National Debt
2. Foreign Relations
3. Westward Expansion
4. National Government
5. Domestic Issues
Using the History Book as our mode, we are going to discuss amongst each other what we think was the most pressing issue for America. Your task is to form your own opinion about what issue you think America should address first. Try to be convincing. Be convincing by supporting your opinions with details, examples, etc. At the end of the discussion, we will all vote to see what the class thinks.

Read the following Link to have a little background information about the challenges facing America.

Indentured Servitude: What does it mean?

The Facts: Indentured Servants are people who had their trip to America from Europe paid for by someone. Once in America, the person had to work for 7 years without getting paid to pay off their trip or "debt" to the person who paid for it. Despite the facts, there are questions about what Indentured Servitude is, exactly. Is it Slavery? Is it an opportunity? It is an interesting question. A question you will be thinking about, writing about, and reading about. Though the article talks about indentured servants coming from Europe to Canada, its the same principles as indentured servants going to American colonies.

Your task is this: Read the following article about Indentured Servitude. After reading the article respond to the questions below.

1. The early goal in the America's was not British Settlement, however, they soon realized that the best way to protect their "real estate" was to do what?

2. The trip across the Atlantic was expensive. Only the rich could afford it. Therefore, the "wrong" type of people were coming to the Americas. What does it mean by the "wrong" type of people? What type of people were needed? Why?

3. Farmers, blacksmiths, and innkeepers all needed apprentices to learn the trade in America. In Europe, the Industrial Revolution caused huge job loss, homelessness and crime. How did these factors contribute to indentured servitude? How did indentured servitude help this problem?

4. What does "debt slaves" mean?

5. There are many angles as far as who became indentured servants. Discuss the different ways people (or kids) would find themselves in indentured servitude.

6. Share your opinion. Is Indentured Servitude slavery? Is it an opportunity? Is it welfare? Is it a business move? Support your opinion with at least 4 points.

DUE: In-class blogging. If you do not get finished, it will be homework.

Points: 40 Points

Great job. You have really done well today. I appreciate your hard work. Don't forget that.