The New Republic

Notes

George Washington
1st President of the United States Reluctant to accept the offer Inaugurated (sworn in) on April 30, 1787 Adds the words so help me God to the oath Called Mr. President

Washingtons Cabinet
Vice President: John Adams Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War: Henry Knox

Problems of Early America

No money!!!! Washington and Congress taxed whiskey and luxury items Whiskey farmers hated it and began to rebel

Whiskey Rebellion
Congress lowered the taxes The Whiskey Boys however began to tar and feather tax collectors Washington sent 13,000 troops to put down the rebellion It worked!! Message: You must follow the rules!

The French Revolution

In 1789, the French people rebelled against the French king Inspired by the American Revolution, the French people wanted Liberty, Equality and Fraternity Americans were split on helping France

Reign of Terror: 16,000 to 40,000 killed

French Revolution (continued)

The French executed the king, queen and many other French leaders Americans were horrified Jefferson wanted to help Hamilton did not, fearing this kind of terror could spread to the US Washington choose to remain neutral

Who were the Federalists?

Alexander Hamilton, John Adams Believed: the best people should rule; mostly elite Believed in a strong national government Did not support the French people in the French Revolution

Who were the Democratic Republicans?

Thomas Jefferson Believed in states rights, not a big national government Farmers, planters Informed citizens could make decisions Supported the French people in the French Revolution

The Question of a National Bank

Federalist (Hamilton) said YES
The Constitution allows Congress to make laws when they are necessary, even if it isnt written specifically in the Constitution (elastic clause)

Republicans (Jefferson) said NO

If the Constitution doesnt say you can do it, you cant do it (strict interpretation)

Alexander Hamilton
1st Secretary of the Treasury Federalist Created the national bank of America Would later be killed in a duel with Aaron Burr

Alexander Hamilton killed by Aaron Burr

Washingtons Farewell Address

Warned of a nation split between political parties (Federalist versus Democratic Republicans) Warned that American should remain neutral in issues of foreign policy Believed people should consider themselves Americans first No permanent friends, no permanent enemies

Washington (after being President)

Retired to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia Spent his time farming Caught a cold one evening which developed into pneumonia Died December 14, 1799 at age 67 The entire nation (and world) mourned

The Death of President Washington

Ranking Washington
First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen Numerous memorials Consistently ranked among top Presidents (with Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt)

Election of 1796
John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson Adams wins, Jefferson becomes vicepresident. AWKWARD!!! 12th Amendment fixes thisnow President and Vice President run together as a ticket.

John Adams1797-1801
Rough Presidency, cranky old man syndrome XYZ AffairFrench diplomats demanded payment before they would negotiate with Americans. Seen as a slap in the face toward America Many believed it was worth going to war over John Adams was able to prevent war through smart negotiating.

Unpopular Laws
Alien Actgave the President the power to deport immigrants deemed a threat to the country Naturalization Actexpanded the length to 14 years (from 5) an immigrant had to wait to become a citizen. Aimed at limiting power of Republican Party (immigrants tended to support the Republicans). Sedition Actmade it illegal to criticize the government in print, only enforced against Republicans

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Made the case that states could ignore Federal laws the states felt were Unconstitutional. This became known as nullification Nullification will be an argument that is used throughout the nations history when states Challenge federal authority.

The Quasi-War with France

France under Napoleon was attacking US shipping. President Adams led the creation of the United States Navy to defend American ships and interests.
In 1800, the United States and France signed an agreement to end the fighting. It wasnt enough to save John Adams presidency though.

Election of 1800What a mess

Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams (with a little Aaron Burr thrown in for fun). Jefferson and Burr defeat Adams in electoral college BUT they end up in a tie. The election is sent to the House of Representatives and they vote 36 times before selecting Thomas Jefferson. Alexander Hamilton swings the vote to Jefferson (he didnt like Tom but he HATED Burr). This election led to the 12th Amendment