Creating the New Nation: Washington and Adams

The World in 1789

• US is surrounded by Monarchies

• US is knee-deep in trade with rest of the world

– This makes isolationism unviable

The Coming Explosion—The French Revolution

• France is bankrupt from aiding us

• French King falls from power as a result.

• France vs. Europe ensues: 1792-1815

• Who will the US aid?

The USA in 1789

America in 1789

• 4 million Americans– New England: 26% of US Population.– Mid-Atlantic: 24% of US Population.– South: 47% of US Population – West: 3% of US Population.

Establishing a New Government

• Capital: New York

• Federalist Party Dominates Government

• Executive Departments:

– Attorney General: Edmund Randolph

– State: Thomas Jefferson

– Treasury: Alexander Hamilton

– War: Henry Knox

• The Judiciary Act of 1789 creates a Court System:

– Supreme Court

• Circuit Courts (Appeals)

– District Courts (Local)

US Circuit

Courts In 1789

under the

Judiciary Act

The Bill of Rights

• 10 Amendments to the Constitution

• Organized by James Madison

• In response to complaints during Ratification

• 2 Amendments don't pass!

Revenues and Debt

• Raising Revenues– Tariff Act of 1789 (Trade Tax)– Tonnage Act of 1789 (Tax on Ship Capacity)

Alexander Hamilton's Plan

• Create a National Bank

• It Consolidates National Debt with New Bonds

• Excise Taxes Ensure Debt Payments

• Bank Invests to Grow Economy

• PROFIT!!!!

• But Many Fear Corruption, Hate Banks!

• Alexander

• Hamilton

Public Order and Foreign Rivals:The West

• 1791-5: War with Natives in Ohio

• US initially whipped in 1791

• Mad Anthony Wayne Organizes Legion of the United States

– Victory at Fallen Timbers (1794)– Treaty of Greenville (1795)

• US gets most of Ohio

• Natives get some money

Public Order and Foreign Rivals:The Whiskey Rebellion--1794

• Tax on Whiskey Crushes Pennsylvania

• Farmers Rebel!

• US Army Crushes Rebels

• No More Tax Rebellions

Public Order and Foreign Rivals:Britain and Spain

• War in Europe leads to seizing of our ships

• Jay’s Treaty (1794)– Settles issues with Britain

• Treaty of San Lorenzo (1795)– Settles issues with Spain

The Birth of Parties

• Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

• Federalism Triumphant At First

• Jefferson vs. Hamilton– The National Bank Affair– Narrow vs. Broad Construction of

Constitution

Rise of Political Parties

The Democratic-Republicans

The Citizen Genet Affair

“Democratic-Republican Societies”

• “Citizen” Edmond Genet

The 1796 Presidential Election

The John Adams’ Administration

• The First Partisan Election—1796– Candidates chosen by caucus of party

leaders– Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams

• Adams is president, but Jefferson is vice-president!

• John Adams = Cranky, non-partisan, leans Federalist but acts on his ideals, even if this = road to failure

The Quasi-War with France

• France vs. Britain; France seizes US ships to Britain

• XYZ Affair = US diplomats told to bribe to get to see French Foreign Minister, Talleyrand

• Americans go crazy

• Piracy vs. French and vice versa.

• Adams wants peace; Federalists want WAR

The Alien and Sedition Acts

• Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) = Limit immigration, criticism of government is a CRIME

• Jefferson and Hamilton—Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: States can nullify Federal laws! (States' Rights defense)

End of War

• Federalists wanted an army under Hamilton

• Adams and Democratic-Republicans didn't trust him

• High taxes for army; angers many.

• Franco-American Accord of 1800: Let's just all go home and stop– Army now not needed

Election of 1800

• Adams vs. Jefferson

• Mud slinging like crazy

• High Taxes hurt Federalists

• Jefferson and Burr tie with 73 Electoral Votes; Adams definitely loses– Election to House of Representatives

Election of 1800