Untitled Flashcards Set

Supporters of the ratification of the Constitution: They were known as Federalists.

Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution: They were known as Anti-Federalists.

Alexander Hamilton's vision: Hamilton envisioned a strong, centralized federal government with a diversified economy based on manufacturing, commerce, and finance. He advocated for a national bank, assumption of state debts, and protective tariffs.

Thomas Jefferson’s vision: Jefferson favored a decentralized agrarian republic with limited government. He believed in states' rights, individual liberties, and an economy based on independent farmers.

Hamilton's view on promoting a democratic society: Hamilton believed a strong central government, a stable financial system, and a thriving economy would create the conditions for a stable and prosperous republic. He thought that too much democracy would lead to chaos.

Jefferson's view on promoting democracy: Jefferson believed that widespread land ownership, education, and limited government interference would empower citizens and safeguard democracy. He trusted the common people more than the elite.

Persistent image of farming: The image of the independent yeoman farmer as the backbone of American virtue has persisted, despite the increasing industrialization and urbanization of the country.

International event and the rise of two parties: The French Revolution (1789-1799) significantly influenced the development of the Federalist and Republican parties.

Federalist view of the French Revolution: Federalists initially supported the early stages of the revolution but became horrified by the violence of the Reign of Terror. They saw it as a descent into anarchy and a threat to social order.

Republican view of the French Revolution: Republicans generally supported the French Revolution, viewing it as a continuation of the American Revolution's fight for liberty and equality. They were more tolerant of its excesses.

What the Republicans called their political opponents: They often referred to Federalists as monarchists or aristocrats.

What the Federalists called their political opponents: They frequently called Republicans Jacobins (after the radical French revolutionaries) or anarchists.

Women and work during the French Revolution: The French Revolution documentary shows that women played significant roles in the revolution, participating in protests, forming political clubs, and contributing to the war effort. While they gained some temporary rights, they were ultimately excluded from full political participation.

Events explaining the Federalist view: The Reign of Terror, the execution of Louis XVI, and the widespread violence and instability in France reinforced Federalist fears.

Events explaining the Republican view: The initial ideals of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty, as well as the fight against monarchy, resonated with Republicans.

Why Washington DC is the capital: As part of the Compromise of 1790, which resolved the issue of state debts, the capital was moved to a location on the Potomac River in exchange for Southern states supporting Hamilton's financial plan.

The Whiskey Tax: The Whiskey Tax was an excise tax on distilled spirits, primarily whiskey. Washington and Hamilton supported it to generate revenue for the federal government and assert federal authority. Farmers in western Pennsylvania, who relied on whiskey production, opposed it, leading to the Whiskey Rebellion.

How the Booze Built America documentary on the whiskey tax: That the whiskey tax was one of the first taxes imposed by the new federal government, and that it was very unpopular with the western farmers.

Washington's view of the Whiskey Rebellion and Genet: Washington viewed the Whiskey Rebellion as a direct challenge to federal authority and led troops to suppress it. He saw Ambassador Genet's actions as a violation of U.S. neutrality and demanded his recall.

Respect for U.S. neutrality: Both Britain and France violated U.S. neutrality by seizing American ships and impressing sailors.

Significance of Democratic-Republican societies: These societies, formed in the 1790s, were important in spreading Republican ideas and mobilizing popular support. They represented a growing democratic impulse.

Impact of the Sedition and Alien Acts: These acts, passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress, restricted freedom of speech and the press, and made it harder for immigrants to become citizens. They were used to suppress Republican dissent.

Essential for a democratic society: Freedom of speech, press, assembly, and the right to dissent are essential. These rights allow for open debate, criticism of the government, and the peaceful expression of diverse viewpoints.

Significance of the election of 1800: It was the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties in the United States. It also demonstrated the importance of the electoral process and the potential for political change.