Washington and the Federalist Republic - Notes

Jefferson/Democratic-Republicans: Criticized National Bank as unconstitutional and promoting inequality.

Hamilton/Federalists: Defended National Bank via the 'Necessary & Proper Clause' for public welfare.

Madison's Compromise: Relocated national capital to Washington, D.C., as part of a deal for Hamilton's financial plan.

Bank of the United States (BUS): Established with a 20-year charter, 50% government-owned.

Jefferson's Resignation: Felt betrayed by Washington's support for Hamilton's plan over the French Alliance foreign policy; strategically shaped Democratic-Republican Party.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Federal government response with 15,000 troops affirmed authority; Democratic-Republicans criticized Federalists for provoking rebellion.

Hamilton's Resignation: Stepped down to focus on the Bank of New York and organizing the Federalist Party.

Jay's Treaty (1794): Unpopular treaty with Britain, sparked public outcry against Washington's administration.

Washington's Farewell Address: Warned against political factions, foreign alliances, and urged national unity.

Emancipation Laws: States enacted laws freeing enslaved African Americans, granting property/business rights but not full enfranchisement.

Jefferson/Democratic-Republicans: Argued high taxes caused inflation and the National Bank favored the wealthy, increasing inequality.

Hamilton/Federalists: Contended the National Bank would ensure elite loyalty, increasing economic stability and goods availability.

Madison's Compromise: Lowered tariffs and the Whiskey Tax.

Bank of the United States (BUS): Functions included collecting taxes, minting coins, issuing banknotes, and providing loans.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Caused by the Whiskey Tax, which farmers relied on for revenue for property taxes.

Bank of New York: First provider of loans to the U.S. government, financing salaries.

Stock Exchange Development: Bank of New York was the inaugural company traded on the New York Stock Exchange, establishing a monopoly.

Tensions with Britain: Britain seized American merchant ships.

Jay's Treaty (1794): Required U.S. merchants to settle pre-Independence debts to the British.

Pinckney's Treaty (1795): Secured unrestricted access to ship goods through New Orleans.

Labor Changes: Decline in slave labor profitability due to ‘Free Labor’ (paid workers, free African Americans, immigrants).

Washington's Farewell Address: Cautioned against accruing government debt.

Native American Relations: British-supported forts fueled conflicts with the Miami Confederacy during the Northwest War.

Jay's Treaty (1794): Included British support for the Miami Confederacy and an unhonored promise to evacuate forts.

American Expansion: Settlers encroached into Ohio territory, prompting resistance from the Miami Confederacy.

Northwest Indian War (1788-1794): Miami faced defeat at the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794).

Treaty of Greenville (1795): Miami Confederacy surrendered Ohio, accepted payments, and were relocated westward.

Ongoing Tensions: British continued to back the Shawnee tribe, complicating U.S. expansion efforts.

Pinckney's Treaty (1795): Required Spain to curb Native American raids into American territories.

Sally Hemmings' Legacy: Jefferson fathered four children with Hemmings.

Growth of Free States: By 1804, states like Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania were free; Quakers advocated abolition.

Labor Changes: Decline in slave labor profitability influenced by 'Free Labor'.

Emancipation Laws: States enacted laws freeing enslaved African Americans, granting rights to property/businesses/churches, but no enfranchisement.

Social Factors: Enslaved African Americans sought freedom by escaping to free states despite societal racism and limited opportunities.

Free African Society: Founded by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones to assist formerly enslaved individuals with funds, education, and jobs.

Mother Bethel Church: Richard Allen founded the first AME Church in Philadelphia, central to abolitionist efforts.

Underground Railroad: Allen and Jones’ homes became safe houses, laying groundwork for its future.

Washington's Legacy: His will provided for the freedom of 124 enslaved individuals, reflecting a shift in his views.

Racial Views: Jefferson’s “Notes on Virginia” (1787) suggested African Americans were inferior in reason/imagination but acknowledged musical abilities.

Enslaved people's Experiences: Washington's handling of enslaved people in Philadelphia highlighted personal and legal restrictions; abolitionists aided their pursuit of freedom.

Political Divisions: Exemplified by Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans (agrarian/Southern focus) vs. Hamiltonian Federalists (commercial/Northern focus).

National Bank Controversy: Highlighted regional disparities, favoring wealthy investors, primarily in the North.

Madison's Compromise: Relocation of the capital to Washington, D.C., was a geographical compromise balancing regional interests.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Democratic-Republican criticism highlighted regional grievances against federal tax policies.

Stock Exchange Development: Bank of New York's monopoly in New York banking favored Federalist businessmen, reflecting regional economic rivalries.

Public Outcry: Criticism of Jay’s Treaty often stemmed from regional discontent with Washington’s administration.

Ongoing Tensions: Division among Federalists and Democratic-Republicans over U.S. expansion with British-backed Shawnee reflected regional interests.

Growth of Free States: The emergence of free states by 1804 highlighted a growing North-South divide over slavery.

Washington's Farewell Address: Warned against political factions and urged prioritizing national unity over regional loyalty.

Jefferson's Conflict: Jefferson’s foreign policy aimed to honor the French Alliance, conflicting with Washington's support for Hamilton’s plan.

Tensions with Britain: Britain seized American merchant ships trading with France and impressed American sailors.

Native American Relations: British-supported forts on American soil fueled conflicts with Native Americans.

Jay’s Treaty (1794): Unpopular treaty aimed to prevent war but failed to resolve maritime grievances; Britain continued support for Miami Confederacy.

Northwest Indian War (1788-1794): The British continued to back the Shawnee tribe.

Pinckney’s Treaty (1795): Secured unrestricted access to New Orleans for trade, established Florida's border, and required Spain to curb Native American raids.

Washington's Farewell Address: Warned against foreign alliances and conflicts, especially regarding European affairs.