Final answer:
The United States faced conflicts primarily with Great Britain and Spain in the early years of the republic, related to trade restrictions, territorial disputes, and control over essential waterways like the Mississippi River. The country transitioned from a confederation to a federal system under the Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early years of the republic, the United States faced conflicts with several European powers as it was establishing its presence and policies on the international stage. Particularly noteworthy were the early 19th-century conflicts with Great Britain and Spain. Great Britain and the young United States had issues including the unclear Canada-U.S. border and trade discrimination against American merchants. Spain further complicated matters by controlling access to the Mississippi River, vital for western American commerce, and influencing settlement in what was then the frontier west of the Appalachians.
The early United States was a nation under the Articles of Confederation, transitioning eventually to a federal government under the Constitution in 1789. This shift was part of the U.S. attempting to solidify its domestic and foreign policies, addressing issues such as taxation, foreign treaties, and interstate collaboration, which were difficult to manage under the decentralized structure of the Articles of Confederation.
Conflicts with Great Britain and Spain needed to be resolved through diplomacy and, occasionally, military action. Great Britain continued to meddle in American affairs by supporting American Indian resistance against U.S. expansion, and Spain attempted to encourage Western settlement discontent. Therefore, the countries you should color and identify are Great Britain, traditionally represented by red, and Spain, often associated with yellow, although any distinct colors will suffice for your school assignment.