Whiskey Rebellion, Alien + Sedition Act, and the Election of 1800

Whiskey Rebellion

A protest in the United States in the 1790s against a tax on whiskey imposed by the federal government.

Alexander Hamilton's tax plan

Part of Hamilton's plan to reduce the national debt, which particularly affected farmers who distilled whiskey.

Western Pennsylvania farmers' response

They rebelled against the whiskey tax, refusing to pay it and attacking tax collectors.

Federal response to the Whiskey Rebellion

President George Washington sent federal troops to suppress the rebellion, demonstrating federal authority.

Outcome of the Whiskey Rebellion

The rebellion was quickly put down, showing the federal government’s ability to enforce laws and maintain order.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 by the Federalist-controlled Congress during tensions with France.

Naturalization Act

Increased the residency requirement for U.S. citizenship from 5 to 14 years.

Alien Friends Act

Allowed the president to deport any alien considered dangerous.

Alien Enemies Act

Gave the president power to detain and deport non-citizens during wartime.

Sedition Act

Made it a crime to publish false, scandalous, or malicious writing against the government.

Impact of the Alien and Sedition Acts

Controversial acts seen as attempts to suppress political opposition, leading to prosecutions of journalists.

Opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts

Strongly opposed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who argued they were unconstitutional.

Consequences of the Alien and Sedition Acts

Led to the Federalists' loss of power in the election of 1800 and the expiration of the Sedition Act.

Election of 1800

The first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in American history.

Candidates in the Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) and John Adams (Federalist).

Main issue in the Election of 1800

The Alien and Sedition Acts were a major concern, opposed strongly by Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans.

Process of the Election of 1800

The election was close, requiring the House of Representatives to decide the winner due to an Electoral College tie.

Outcome of the Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson elected president, ending Federalist control; he pardoned those convicted under the Sedition Act.