Northwest Territory
Was formed from unorganized western territory of the US, Northwest of the River Ohio
Real World Example
The Northwest Territory was crucial in forming the early U.S. government because it set a precedent for how new states could be added to the Union. It highlighted tensions between settlers' expansion desires and Native American lands, a conflict about balancing growth with fairness that still resonates today. Establishing this territory led to the Northwest Ordinance, which prohibited slavery there and promoted public education, ideas that continue to shape American values. For example, the principle of admitting new states on equal footing with existing ones ensures fairness and unity across the nation. Today, the emphasis on education from the Northwest Ordinance can be seen in the importance of public schools in people's daily lives, highlighting how foundational ideas still influence us.
