It was first proposed in the mid 1850s by doctor Ignaz Semmelweis who believed it would reduce mortality rates. It became a widespread thing around 1900 when everyone started doing it because they realized how important decontamination was.
Liberal critics of the ACA want it to extend its care over some higher annual income earning families and for itto allow for people to keep their insurance plans.
Strengths of AoC
- landmark in government
- provided loose confederation (at least some disjointed unity)
- kept alive the ideal of Union, held states together until they were ready to implement a strong constitution
- congress still effective in passing land laws (Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance)
Negatives of AoC
- Congress was extremely weak: no power to regulate commerce, states left free to establish laws that were different and in conflict with one another (tariffs, navigation)
- no tax-collection program.
C. Severely damaged the country's air, water, and soil.