Key Events During John Adams' Presidency

Flashcards about the election of 1796, President Adam's foreign policy challenges, the Quasi War, the Alien and Sedition Acts, and the relocation of the U.S. government to Washington, D.C.

What effect did the nation's first two political parties have on the Election of 1796?

It was the first election with political parties; John Adams (Federalist) won the Presidency; Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) became Vice President from opposing parties, causing tension.

How did President Adams handle American relations with France?

Adams tried to avoid war with France by sending diplomats to negotiate, which led to the XYZ Affair. His goal was to protect U.S. peace, avoid a full-scale war, and stay neutral.

How did President Adams respond to the XYZ Affair?

Adams refused to pay bribes, told Congress about the scandal, allowed U.S. ships to defend themselves (starting the Quasi War), and created the Department of the Navy to strengthen defense.

What events are associated with the Quasi War between the United States and France?

1798–1800: An undeclared naval conflict fought mainly in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. captured French ships attacking American trade. Congress allowed naval action but no formal declaration of war.

How did the Quasi War between the United States and France end?

Adams sent another peace delegation to France, resulting in France agreeing to stop attacks and cancel the 1778 alliance. The Convention of 1800 officially ended the conflict.

What impact did the XYZ Affair and Quasi War have on U.S. domestic policy?

Fear of foreign threats and spies led to the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) by Federalists, which limited immigrants and silenced criticism of the government.

When and how was the Sedition Act enforced?

The Sedition Act made it a crime to speak or publish anything “false or malicious” about the government and Federalists used it to punish Democratic-Republican newspaper editors and speakers, which sparked public backlash.

How did the Democratic-Republicans react to the Alien and Sedition Acts?

They strongly opposed them — believed they violated the First Amendment. Jefferson and Madison wrote the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions stating states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws and defended free speech and states’ rights.

What events corresponded with the government relocating to Washington, D.C.?

In 1800, the federal government moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., symbolizing a new beginning. Adams was the first president to live in the White House, amidst political tensions from the Alien and Sedition Acts and the Quasi War.