Final answer:
It took almost 100 years before the United States had its own national currency due to factors such as the inflation and lack of confidence in the continental currency after the Revolutionary War. The decentralized banking system and the issuance of state banknotes further complicated the currency situation. Eventually, the first national bank was created to address these issues and stabilize the economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States took almost 100 years to have its own national currency due to various factors. One of the main reasons was the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, where the government's first attempt at a national currency, called the Continental, quickly lost value due to inflation. This resulted in a lack of confidence in paper money.
Additionally, the decentralized banking system at the time led to the issuance of state banknotes, which further complicated the currency situation. These banknotes were often not accepted as currency by people who were unfamiliar with the reputation of the issuing bank.
In order to address these issues and stabilize the economy, many nationally-minded leaders recognized the need for a regulated national currency, which eventually led to the creation of the first national bank in 1791.