Chapter 9: Creating a Nation "Picture This" Introduction      In this chapter, you learned that gaining independence from Britain was only a first step for the young nation. The next challenge was to write a constitution that would protect the rights of citizens and balance the power among the levels, as well as the branches, of government. Times were hard for everyone because the economy was in distress and money was nearly worthless. Farmers were particularly hard hit. Visit the Liberty! Web site and learn more about the daily lives of the colonists. Destination Title: Liberty! Web site Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Liberty! Web site. Click on Perspectives on Liberty. Click on Daily Life in the Colonies. Click on the objects in the scene and read the facts that appear. Answer the following questions. 1. What was the greatest travel problem for the Americans? 2. How much livestock did a typical farmer in the north own? 3. Was reading a popular pastime? Why or why not? 4. Discuss the meaning of the expression "traditional gender roles" and how it applies to life in the colonies.