What were the patriots concerned about when the war was over and they had won?

When the American Revolution ended with the victory of the American colonists (Patriots) over the British in 1783, the Patriots had several concerns regarding the future of the newly independent states. The principal concerns were:

1. Creating a Stable Government: The Patriots understood that they needed to establish a stable government that would avoid the tyranny they associated with British rule. They wanted a government that would respect the rights of citizens and states, leading to the creation of the Articles of Confederation, which later were replaced by the U.S. Constitution after being deemed inadequate.

2. Paying War Debts: Another major concern was how to pay for the debts accrued during the war. The war was expensive, and both the Continental Congress and the states had borrowed money from foreign countries and individual citizens.

3. Unity Among the States: The Patriots feared that without a strong central authority, the individual states might not cooperate and work together. This could lead to disunity and potential conflict between the states, threatening the survival of the new nation.

4. Economic Stability: Economic stability was uncertain, as the war had disrupted trade and many currencies were devalued. There was also a need to establish a sound banking system and a standard currency.

5. Protecting and Expanding Territory: There were concerns about defending the territory against potential foreign threats and managing westward expansion in a way that wouldn't cause conflict with Native American tribes or other European powers.

6. Civil Rights: The revolution had raised questions about the rights and liberties of different groups of people, including slaves, women, and non-property owners. Broadly, there was a concern about how to protect the individual rights that Patriots had fought for.