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key term - International Relations

Definition

International relations is the study of the interactions and relationships between countries, focusing on how they cooperate, conflict, and affect each other's policies. During the period of the Articles of Confederation, the lack of a strong central government limited the ability of the United States to engage effectively in international diplomacy and trade, leading to various challenges that affected its sovereignty and stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Articles of Confederation created a weak federal government, which struggled to manage foreign affairs effectively.
  2. States were allowed to conduct their own diplomacy and make treaties with foreign nations, leading to conflicting agreements and a lack of cohesive foreign policy.
  3. The inability to regulate commerce led to economic instability and tensions with other countries, making it difficult for the U.S. to establish reliable trade relationships.
  4. The Treaty of Paris (1783), which ended the Revolutionary War, was negotiated by American diplomats but showcased the need for a stronger federal framework to support international negotiations.
  5. Challenges in international relations during this period contributed to the eventual push for a new constitution that would create a more centralized government capable of handling foreign affairs.

Review Questions

  • How did the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation impact the United States' ability to engage in international relations?
    • The weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation severely hampered the United States' ability to engage in effective international relations. The lack of a strong central government meant that states could independently negotiate treaties and conduct diplomacy, often leading to conflicting agreements that undermined national interests. This fragmentation made it difficult for the U.S. to present a unified front to foreign nations, resulting in missed opportunities for trade and alliances.
  • Evaluate how the inability to regulate commerce under the Articles of Confederation influenced U.S. international relations during this period.
    • The inability to regulate commerce under the Articles of Confederation had a profound effect on U.S. international relations. With individual states allowed to set their own trade policies, there was no consistent approach to foreign trade, which led to economic instability and strained relations with other nations. As states competed against each other for favorable trade terms, this disunity weakened America's position in international negotiations and made it harder to establish mutually beneficial trade agreements.
  • Assess the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1783) in shaping early U.S. international relations and its implications for governance under the Articles of Confederation.
    • The Treaty of Paris (1783) was significant in shaping early U.S. international relations as it officially recognized American independence from Britain. However, this treaty highlighted the shortcomings of governance under the Articles of Confederation, as it was negotiated by diplomats without strong federal backing. The challenges faced in implementing treaty terms, alongside state-level conflicts regarding foreign dealings, underscored the urgent need for a more robust national government capable of managing foreign affairs effectively, ultimately contributing to calls for a new constitution.