Study Notes for Early National Period Lecture

Introduction to the Early National Period

  • The early national period spans from 1776 to 1817, covering the time from the Declaration of Independence through the presidencies of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.

Overview of the Early National Period

  • Timeframe: 1776-1817
  • Start: Officially declared independence in 1776.
  • End: Concludes with James Madison in 1817.
  • Key presidents during this period: 1. George Washington 2. John Adams 3. Thomas Jefferson 4. James Madison

Articles of Confederation

  • Establishment and Context:

    • Articles were approved in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress but required unanimous consent from all states to be effective, which was achieved in 1781.
    • Governed the new independent states from 1777-1789 despite limited effectiveness.

  • Weakness of the Articles:

    • Fear of a strong federal government (similar to British monarchy) led to the creation of a weak legislative branch only.
    • There was no judicial or executive branch.
    • Each state had one vote, regardless of population, leading to inequitable representation.
    • Changing articles required unanimous consent; passing laws necessitated approval from three-quarters of the states, making governance nearly impossible.

  • Lack of Power and Authority:

    • The Confederation Congress possessed very few powers, specifically only four:
    1. Settle disputes between states.
      • Example: Dispute over the Potomac River - Maryland was awarded control.
      • Importance of the Potomac River for taxation and commerce.
    2. Declare war.
    3. Form alliances and sign treaties.
    4. Raise funds (could only borrow or print money, no power to tax).
      • Colonial resentment over taxation under British rule highlighted the issue with federal power in this regard.
      • Example of currency depreciation:
      • Value of currency increased tremendously against basic goods like bread.
    • By 1783, the monetary system was in shambles; a loaf of bread that cost three cents in gold could take over $100 in paper currency issued by Congress to purchase.

The End of the Articles of Confederation

  • Identified failures led to considerations for a new government in 1787, resulting in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

The United States Constitution

  • Established a three-branch government:

    • Legislative Branch:
      • Bicameral legislature: House of Representatives and Senate.
    • Executive Branch:
      • Office of the President.
    • Judicial Branch:
      • Established Supreme Court and subordinate federal courts as part of the judiciary act of 1789.

  • Checks and Balances:

    • Designed to prevent any one branch from dominating.
    • Legislative must approve laws, President can veto laws, courts can declare laws unconstitutional.
    • Fear of tyranny led to this structure aimed at protecting individual rights while promoting governance.

  • Preamble to the Constitution:

    • Indicates the establishment of government to secure the nation's survival,
    • Balancing individual rights with the collective good.
    • No single individual rights are prioritized above others.

  • Ratification:

    • Required two-thirds affirmation from states, final ratified in late 1788, became effective in 1789.
    • George Washington becomes the first president in the same year.
    • Washington's presidency established many precedents for future administrations.

George Washington's Presidency

  • Significant Leadership Decisions:

    • Washington faced critical decisions including the creation of the office's authority and function due to lack of detail in the Constitution concerning roles.
    • Congress spent four months debating the proper address for the president, leading to the title "Mr. President" suggested by Washington himself, framing the office to be more approachable and reducing potential elitism among leaders.

  • Political Parties Formation:

    • Emergence of the Federalist Party led by Alexander Hamilton, promoting a strong central government and aligning closely with British models of economy and governance.
    • Democratic-Republicans, founded by Thomas Jefferson, advocating for state's rights and a more agrarian-focused economy.

  • Washington's Caution Against Political Parties:

    • Washington’s Farewell Address warned against the divisive nature of political parties leading to allegiance to party over country.

Key Issues Confronting the Young Nation

  • Jay's Treaty (1794):

    • Negotiated to resolve issues of impressment of American sailors by the British and stabilize relations between the U.S. and Great Britain.

  • Quasi-War:

    • An undeclared naval conflict with France resulting from U.S. support of Britain and impressment issues.

  • Alien and Sedition Acts (1798):

    • Legislative measures by Adams’ administration aimed at suppressing dissent and ensuring federalist dominance ahead of the presidential election of 1800.
    • Included:
    • Alien Act: Allowed arrest of foreigners deemed a threat.
    • Naturalization Act: Increased residency requirements for citizenship.
    • Sedition Act: Criminalized criticism of government officials.

  • Election of 1800:

    • Marked a significant transition when Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, indicating a shift in political power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.
    • Resulted in a tie in Electoral College votes between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, leading the House of Representatives to decide the presidency in favor of Jefferson.

Jefferson’s Presidency

  • Key Themes and Policies:

    • Emphasized agrarianism and a pro-French foreign policy.
    • Implemented the Embargo Act (1807) to avert foreign entanglement, leading to significant economic distress.
    • Subsequently replaced by the Non-Intercourse Act, allowing trade with all nations except Britain and France, amidst frustrations over impressment issues.

  • Macon's Bill Number Two:

    • Allowed for trade with all nations, introduced conditions for cessation of impressment, inadvertently leading to the War of 1812.

The War of 1812

  • Causes of the War:

    • Continued impressment, British alliances with Native Americans, desire to assert U.S. sovereignty.
    • Resulted in poor military preparedness initially.

  • Key Events:

    • Early failures including the burning of Washington D.C. in 1814.
    • The decisive Battle of New Orleans led by Andrew Jackson, defeating the British forces, leading to a sense of American nationalism despite occurring after the treaty was signed.

  • Treaty of Ghent (December 24, 1814):

    • Officially ended the war, affirmed U.S. independence, and helped to spark a renewed sense of American exceptionalism, setting the stage for the Age of Reform to follow.

Conclusion

  • The early national period of American history shaped the foundational governance structures and established a legacy of political conflict and compromise, ultimately fostering a growing sense of national identity even amidst internal challenges.