Early American Republic, 1783–1815

The early American republic began with independence and the difficult creation of durable national institutions. The Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the first federal administrations addressed taxation, debt, western settlement, foreign relations and the distribution of political power.

Rapid urban and commercial growth existed beside slavery, limited citizenship, fragile public health and recurring conflict with Indigenous nations and European powers. Philadelphia served as the federal capital from 1790 to 1800 and became a centre of government, print, trade and medical debate.

Fever 1793 uses the yellow fever epidemic to test the civic order of the new republic. The crisis exposes how quickly government, commerce and family life could fail, but also how voluntary relief and rebuilding could restore the city.