With independence established the Founding Fathers went about the task of building a nation.  Three main events frame this historical period. 

     The leaders of the republic recognized that a strong central government would better meet the needs of a nation on the cusp of expansion.  In order to meet those needs, the U.S. Constitution was created. 

     Second, the U.S. took advantage of events in Europe to make one of the greatest real estate deals in human history.  In 1803, the U.S. bought the Louisiana Territory from France and doubled the size of the country.

     Finally, unresolved issues from the American Revolution and trade exigencies caused the United States to go to war for a the final time against the British Empire.  This conflict is known as the War of 1812.

     Still, the issues of slavery and distribution of power cast a shadow over the young republic.  No one was too keen on dealing with it at that time.