1789 - 1800

Ch. 9 – Launching the New Government

Inaugurated April 30, 1789 in NYCSet precedent – act or decision that sets an

example for others to follow Created departments & cabinet to help advise PresidentJudiciary Act

Supreme Court establishedJohn Jay 1st Chief Justice

Washington Takes Office

Reducing the Nation’s Debt

During A. Revolution the gov. needed $, so gov. borrowed from foreign countries & people through bondsBonds – certificate which promises to repay $ loaned plus

interestSec. of Treasury Alexander Hamilton ordered

repayment of all national debts b4 they affected future South did not agree w/ paying back state debtsHamilton made compromise w/ South to move the capitol to

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) by 1800

Build the Economy Agriculturally & IndustriallyBank of the U.S. (1791): gov. collected tax $ & gave

loans to farmers & businessesCongress passed protective tariff (tax) on foreign goods

brought into the country to protect local manufacturers

Whiskey RebellionHamilton created tax on all liquor made & sold in

US to raise $ for TreasuryFarmers hated tax b/c they had to pay $ in order

to ship whiskey which was made from corn1794 – farmers rebelled/protested in Pittsburgh

PennsylvaniaTested will of new gov & that gov. could work

quick in crisis

In 1793, French Revolution turned violent by reformersBeheaded the King & Queen & killed thousands of

citizensLeaders divided on to help

Washington decides on foreign policy: actions that a nation takes in relation to other countriesUS signed treaty w/ France during A.R. which

complicated issue of remaining neutral in war b/t French & English

American Leaders DividedHamilton said treaty no longer valid & no use of

violenceJefferson: wanted to follow treaty

Neutrality Proclamation: US would not support or aide either side

Creating a Foreign Policy

Warring nations seized US trade shipsJay’s Treaty

John Jay negotiated w/ Britain to pay damages if Americans paid debts to British merchants

Did nothing to protect shipsWashington Retires (1796)

Advised against becoming involved in European affairs w/ allies

Most Americans did not believe in political partiesSaw how factions (opposing groups within

parties) worked in BritainThreat to national unityGeorge Washington warned that parties would

lead to “jealousy & false alarms”Despite warnings factions grew up around

Alexander Hamilton & Thomas Jefferson

Political Parties Emerge

Hamilton

Encouraged manufacturing & trade w/ growth of cities

Strong federal gov. to increase commerce

Believed in loose interpretation of Constitution and Bank of US was necessary

Wanted close ties w/ Britain

Farmers more important

Small federal gov. to protect individual freedom

Though national bank would give power to investors & all powers should be given to states

Favored France

Differing ViewsJefferson

Leaders in states were organizing support for both candidates

Jefferson – Democratic RepublicansSmall farmers, artisans, some wealthy planters

Hamilton – FederalistsMerchants & manufacturers

Newspapers start to take sides for candidatesCan influence public opinion

Election of 1796Republicans backed Jefferson 4 Pres & Aaron

Burr 4 VPFederalists supported John Adams 4 Pres &

Thomas Pinckney 4 VPPerson w/ most electoral votes became Pres

followed by VPJohn Adams won Presidency & Jefferson won VP

Difficult b/c opposing parties

XYZ Affair (1798)French objected Jay’s Treaty & seized

US shipsAmericans called for warFrench minister Talleyrand refused to

meet w/ US diplomats so had advisors X, Y, Z meet with themDemanded $ and loan to France“Millions for defense, but not one cent

for tribute”Sparked war fever in USAdams stayed neutral but built frigates

(fast naval ships w/ guns)

John Adams - 2nd President

Federalists SplitDisagreement over war caused splitHamilton:

Hoped war would weaken RepublicansBuilt militaryWanted war verse French

AdamsFederalist who did not want war against the FrenchAdvisors made agreement with French to stop

seizing ships

Alien & Sedition ActsAlien Act: Pres could expel any alien or

foreigner thought to be dangerous to US & made immigrants live in US for 14 years b4 becoming citizenMade Republicans mad b/c immigrants couldn’t vote

4 themSedition Act: citizens could be fined or jailed

for criticizing gov. or stirring up a rebellionRepublicans said this violated 1st amendment

Jefferson opposed acts & asked states to nullify (cancel) the laws passed by fed. Gov

Kentucky & Virginia ResolutionsEach state has right to judge

whether laws is constitutional, and if un, can nullify

Raised issue of states’ rights – strong or loose interpretation of the Constitution?

Alien & Sedition acts would change or drop later on

Election of 1800Republicans attacked Federalists 4 raising taxes to

prepare for war & Alien & Sedition actsJefferson (Rep. Pres) & Burr (Rep. VP) tied in

electoral votesRule said vote decided by House of RepsAfter 4 days, decided on Jefferson as President

Influenced 12th Amendment (1804) – Electors would vote for Pres & VP separately

Federalist party started to decline