What major challenge did the United States face after winning independence?

• A. Securing foreign alliances
• B. Establishing a stable government and addressing economic issues
• C. Expanding territory to the West
• D. Forming a powerful military

Answer: (B)

After winning independence, the United States faced the immediate need to build a functioning national government and stabilize its economy. The Articles of Confederation created a very weak central government with no power to tax, no national currency, and no authority to regulate trade among states or with other nations. This left the new nation with war debt, inflation, a shaky economy, and diplomatic challenges, plus domestic unrest as people and soldiers demanded payment. The resulting instability showed that a stronger framework was essential to unite the states, manage finances, and handle foreign relations, which is why establishing a stable government and addressing economic issues was the major challenge.