Early U.S. Foreign and Domestic Policy Study Notes

Early U.S. Foreign & Domestic Policy

The Least You Need to Know

• Bill of Rights

  • Definition: The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

  • Importance: Its inclusion was crucial for protecting individual liberties and addressing Anti-Federalist concerns during the ratification of the Constitution.

• Debate Over the National Bank

  • Hamiltonians vs. Jeffersonians:

  • Hamiltonians: Advocated for a strong central government and the creation of a national bank to stabilize and improve the nation's credit.

  • Jeffersonians: Argued that a national bank was unconstitutional, advocating for strict adherence to the powers specifically granted by the Constitution.

• Caution in Foreign Affairs

  • The U.S. government under George Washington and John Adams was cautious in foreign affairs to avoid costly entanglements and maintain neutrality.

Status of the United States at the Beginning of the Constitutional Era

• Population:

  • By the first U.S. census in 1790, the estimated population was around 4 million, growing rapidly.

• Urbanization:

  • Although large towns and cities were beginning to develop, especially in the Northeast, the majority of Americans lived in rural areas or small towns.

George Washington as President

• Oath of Office:

  • George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.

• Establishment of a Cabinet:

  • Members:

  • Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson

  • Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton

  • Secretary of War: Henry Knox

  • The creation of the presidential cabinet was not explicitly stated in the Constitution; Washington's interpretation of Article II led to its formation.

The Bill of Rights

• Overview:

  • The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791.

The Judiciary Act of 1789

• Supreme Court Established:

  • Established the U.S. Supreme Court; John Jay became the first Chief Justice.

Early U.S. Financial Issues

• Dealing with Debts:

  • In 1790, U.S. government debts totaled approximately $75 million, including Revolutionary War debts and obligations owed by state governments.

  • Alexander Hamilton's Stance: Advocated for the repayment of debts at full value to ensure national credit and trustworthiness.

The Fight Over the National Bank

• Hamilton vs. Jefferson Stance on National Bank:

  • Hamilton: Asserted the necessity of a national bank.

  • Jefferson: Argued that it violated the Constitution.

Constitutional Powers

• Definitions:

  • Enumerated or Delegated Powers: Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution.

  • Implied Powers: Powers assumed by the government under the “necessary and proper clause” or “elastic clause” found in Article I of the Constitution.

Resolution of Financial Impasse

• Settlement Method: Hamilton and Jefferson agreed to settle issues through negotiation facilitated by Washington.

  • Washington sided with Hamilton, accepting financial plans for debt assumption.

  • Jefferson's support came with the concession of a new national capital in the South (Washington, D.C.).

  • Washington also supported the establishment of the national bank proposed by Hamilton.

Early U.S. Political Movements

• Political Parties:

  • Federalists (Hamiltonians):

  • Advocated for loose constructionism and a stronger federal government.

  • Represented mainly northern commercial interests and wealthy landowners.

  • Democratic-Republicans (Jeffersonians):

  • Favored strict constructionism and a weaker federal government.

  • Represented primarily rural landowners and small farmers.

The French Revolution

• Impact on U.S. Sentiments:

  • The outbreak of the French Revolution (1789) created conflicting emotions in the U.S., stemming from gratitude for France's assistance in the Revolutionary War.

Public Debate on Aid to France

• Hamilton vs. Jefferson Debate:

  • The debate highlighted differing ideologies regarding U.S. support for France based on historical ties and current political landscapes.

Reasons for Reluctance to Aid France

• U.S. Limitations:

  • Small population, minimal navy, nonexistent army, and limited financial resources.

  • Entering the conflict would jeopardize U.S. trade, particularly with Britain.

Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation

• Date: April 22, 1793

• Content: Declared that the U.S. would avoid involvement in European wars.

Territorial Growth

• U.S. Territory in c. 1780:

  • Map indicating U.S. territorial claims and growth, including original colonies, territories, and state claims.

Conflict with Native American Tribes

• Miami Tribe:

  • Engaged in conflicts with the U.S. over territorial disputes; initially successful against U.S. forces before losing at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

Treaty of Greenville

• Signed in 1795:

  • Established the “Greenville Treaty Line” under which several Native American tribes ceded territory in Ohio to the U.S., enabling American settlement.

Late 18th Century U.S. Diplomacy

• Jay’s Treaty (1794):

  • Addressed diplomatic tensions with Britain; the U.S. agreed to settle debts, while Britain provided limited compensation for seized ships but did not agree to halt future seizures.

Washington’s Farewell Address

• Delivered in 1796:

  • Encouraged avoidance of “entangling alliances” in foreign affairs.

Presidential Election of 1796

• Result:

  • Federalist John Adams became President; Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson became Vice President, reflecting a divided political landscape.

Diplomatic Timeline of the 1790s

• 1794: Jay’s Treaty signed

• 1794-1797: French Navy began attacking U.S. commercial vessels

• 1797: XYZ Affair emerged leading to increased tensions with France

• 1798-1800: Quasi-War occurred between the U.S. and France

• 1800: Convention of 1800 ended Quasi-War and Franco-American alliance.

XYZ Affair

• Details:

  • In 1797, American diplomats faced demands for a bribe from French officials, leading to increased anti-French sentiment and an undeclared naval conflict with France.

Convention of 1800

• Outcomes:

  • Terminated the Franco-American Alliance Treaty; France ceased attacks on American commerce; U.S. agreed to pay insurance claims for seized merchants' vessels.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

• Alien Act: Allowed deportation of aliens deemed dangerous; increased citizenship wait time from 5 to 14 years.

• Sedition Act: Criminalized speech against the Federal government; aimed at silencing opposition ahead of elections.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

• Authors: Thomas Jefferson (Kentucky) and James Madison (Virginia)

• Purpose: Protests against Alien and Sedition Acts; asserted state rights to nullify federal legislation deemed unconstitutional.