The history of the United States. 1783: Soldiers of the new republic after their victory in the American Revolutionary War. Soldiers on horseback meet new citizens. They watch as men carrying baggage walk away. A banner on a road separating two states reads 'New Hampshire Boundary'. A merchandiser demands money from two men to cross the border. Pictures of the land which farmers gave up because they could not pay back. Bankers inside a building. People on the streets. Delegates at the Philadelphia Convention in Pennsylvania. Pictures of people demanding new central government. Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the US, walks supported by two men to the convention building. Several people stand around and watch. General George Washington, the elected President of the convention. He delivers a speech. He states the need for unity, a sound financial system, war debts to be paid, trade to be encouraged, national government to protect rights and perform functions. The delegates speak at the convention. The convention in progress. President George Washington with Benjamin Franklin and a few men at a final private conference during which they decide the government should have clearly defined substantial powers. The Preamble to the United States Constitution created on 17 September 1787, read out at the convention. Benjamin Franklin gets up with the help of two men. George Washington signs the constitution. Benjamin Franklin with George Washington. The carving on George Washington's chair. George Washington, the first President of the United States. People greeting the President. Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, organizes a bank to receive taxes and import duties that pays off national debts.

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