Under the Articles of Confederation, congress had the ability to wage war and propose treaties, however it did not have the power to raise and fund a national army of it 's own. Instead, the federal government had to rely on the militias that the militias of each state. Due to the congress having to rely on militias, it was unable to defend against the British forces that pestered Americas borders. Britain saw the weakness in the Articles and decided to break treaty and attack America at its borders and trade routes. The British even captured American sailors and conscripted them into the British navy. Internally, the economic depression led the farmers of America to rebellion. The protests were at first peaceful but in 1786, a rebellion called Shay 's Rebellion took place. This rebellion was eventually put down, however not having a standing national army available provided the
Under the Articles of Confederation, congress had the ability to wage war and propose treaties, however it did not have the power to raise and fund a national army of it 's own. Instead, the federal government had to rely on the militias that the militias of each state. Due to the congress having to rely on militias, it was unable to defend against the British forces that pestered Americas borders. Britain saw the weakness in the Articles and decided to break treaty and attack America at its borders and trade routes. The British even captured American sailors and conscripted them into the British navy. Internally, the economic depression led the farmers of America to rebellion. The protests were at first peaceful but in 1786, a rebellion called Shay 's Rebellion took place. This rebellion was eventually put down, however not having a standing national army available provided the