Detailed Study Notes on American Politics (Washington to Adams)

Overview of Cengage Issues

  • Inability to access Cengage sources for the test.

  • No alternative means provided for assessment.

  • Instructor will communicate plans for testing shortly.

Upcoming Assessments

  • Multiple choice test composed of 50 questions similar to previous tests.

  • Deadline for submitting responses is by Sunday.

Topics Covered in Class

Domestic Issues

  • Whiskey Rebellion

    • A tax rebellion in Pennsylvania.

    • Federal government, led by Hamilton, raised 10,000 troops to quell it.

    • Minimal resistance encountered; most rebels were not inclined to fight.

    • Political fallout demonstrated the government's strength in handling domestic crises.

    • Jefferson's critique highlights concerns about federal government overreach.

Historical Context

  • Washington’s administration showed flexibility within the emerging government structure.

  • Reflection on the challenges faced by educators: not knowing everything is acceptable.

  • Importance of genuine teacher-student interaction.

Foreign Policy

Jay's Treaty (1795)

  • Context: U.S. remained neutral in war between Britain and France.

  • Impressment:

    • The act of stopping ships and forcefully recruiting American sailors by both British and French forces.

    • The British navy was particularly notorious for this.

  • In response to maritime issues, Washington sent John Jay to negotiate with Britain.

  • Outcomes of Jay's Treaty:

    • Viewed as a one-sided agreement favoring Britain.

    • Confirmed Britain's status as the U.S.'s primary trade partner; promises made by Britain were vague.

    • Treaty caused a backlash among Jeffersonians, cementing divisions between political factions.

Development of Political Parties

  • Emergence of the Federalists (led by Hamilton and Washington) and the Democratic-Republicans (led by Jefferson and Madison).

  • Federalists advocated for a strong centralized government; supported broad interpretation of the Constitution (necessary and proper clause).

  • Democratic-Republicans fought for states' rights and limited federal power; favored the Tenth Amendment emphasizing state and individual rights.

John Adams' Presidency Overview

  • Adams was Washington’s Vice President, portraying himself as a Federalist.

  • Presidency marked by tensions with the French government.

  • XYZ Affair: U.S. diplomats faced extortion for negotiating a peace treaty with France.

    • Adams’ administration faced criticism for the perceived weakness in foreign policy.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Alien Act

  • Increased residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years, disproportionately affecting recent French immigrants aligned with Democratic-Republicans.

Sedition Act

  • Criminalized criticism of the Adams administration, violating First Amendment rights.

  • Targeted journalists and public figures with anti-government sentiments.

Continuation of Political Division

  • Adams’ refusal to align completely with Federalist ideology based on independence in diplomatic decisions.

  • Adams’ challenges include increasing hostility during second term leading to 1800 election.

Election of 1800

  • John Adams did not secure re-election; he was defeated by Thomas Jefferson.

  • Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in electoral votes leading to a stalemate, resolved by Congress with Alexander Hamilton’s influence favoring Jefferson.

Key Themes of Washington's Farewell Address

  • Advises against foreign alliances and political factions to prevent national division.

  • Emphasizes the necessity of national unity.

Personal Lives of Founding Fathers

  • Discussion on hairstyles and wigs of the era and their social implications.

  • Influence of Abigail Adams on her husband's presidency, showcasing the role of women in early politics.