1789-1800, pt. 3

Washington chose not to run for a third term, citing concerns over setting a precedent for a president serving for life.
In his farewell address, Washington emphasized key teachings about governance:
  - Opposition to Political Parties
    - He warned against the division created by partisanship and believed that political parties could lead to increased conflict and divisions within the nation.
  - Neutrality in Foreign Affairs
    - Washington advocated for America to remain neutral and avoid entanglement in the affairs of other nations, particularly with European countries like Britain and France.
    - This approach of neutrality would be a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy until the early 20th century, specifically challenged during WWI under President Woodrow Wilson.

The election was characterized by significant political strife as the first contested election in U.S. history.
Main Political Parties:
- Federalists: Led by John Adams, who had served as vice president twice.
- Democratic-Republicans: Led by Thomas Jefferson, who was prominent for writing the Declaration of Independence.

The election included personal attacks between candidates:
- John Adams: Accused of being "fat, toothless, and bald," indicative of the lack of dental care and nutrition at the time.
- Thomas Jefferson: Accused of atheism and having an inappropriate relationship with one of his slaves (a controversial accusation).
Electoral Votes:
  - John Adams received 71 electoral votes (EV).
  - Thomas Jefferson received 68 EV.
  - Outcome: John Adams became president, and Jefferson became vice president, leading to a politically tense relationship between the two rivals.

Key Issue: Relations with France, particularly regarding ship seizures.
- Context: France and Britain were at war, and the French expected U.S. support due to past help during the American Revolution.
- Adams took a neutral stance, reminiscent of Washington's policies, leading to conflict with the French, who began seizing over 300 U.S. ships by October 1797.

Diplomatic Efforts: Adams sent a team of diplomats, including John Marshall, to negotiate with France.
  - They encountered France's foreign minister, Talleyrand, who refused to engage without payment demands.
  - Bribe Demands:
    - $250,000 bribe for Talleyrand to enter negotiations.
    - A low-interest loan of $10,000,000 demanded by France.
  - The American diplomats were outraged by these demands, breaking off talks and reporting back to Adams about the situation, referred to as the XYZ Affair.

Upon receiving the reports from his diplomats in March 1798, Adams sought funding from Congress:
- For the creation of a larger navy and coastal defenses in anticipation of potential conflict with France.
- A new army of 10,000 men was also proposed, with Alexander Hamilton involved in leadership roles.

The XYZ Affair led to heightened tensions and increased anti-French sentiment in the United States, even among Jefferson's supporters.
As a result of the public outrage, Congress approved funding for six new warships and the expansion of the army.

Both acts represented significant violations of the First Amendment rights, raising debates about government overreach and the suppression of political dissent.
The Federalists aimed to weaken the Democratic-Republican party by curtailing voter registration and free speech.

The actions taken during John Adams' presidency and the implementation of the Alien and Sedition Acts set a significant precedent for government control over political expression and revealed deep divisions within the early American political landscape.