Detailed Study Notes on Early American Politics...

George Washington's Presidency

Overview of Washington’s Terms

  • Washington was elected in 1788 and reelected in 1792.

  • His Vice President was John Adams.

  • The political system at that time allowed the runner-up in the presidential election to become Vice President.

Challenges with France

Treaty of Alliance

  • Made in 1778, Washington's administration faced issues related to this treaty.

  • France was undergoing a revolution, and Washington worried about their relationships with other major countries like Great Britain and Austria.

Neutrality Act

  • Washington asked Congress to implement a Neutrality Act.

  • This act would not absolve the U.S. from its treaty obligations but would allow continued trade with belligerent nations, such as Austria and Great Britain.

Citizen Genet

Appointment of the New Ambassador

  • France sent a new ambassador, Citizen Genet, due to the change in their government from monarchy to republic.

  • The term 'Citizen' was used to reflect the republican ideals during the French Revolution, indicating a shift from aristocratic titles.

Washington’s Dilemma

  • Washington was faced with the decision to accept Genet as the ambassador.

  • Jefferson advocated for accepting Genet due to the acknowledgment of the new French government.

  • Hamilton opposed acceptance as he believed it would legitimize the French government.

  • Ultimately, Washington chose to accept Genet based on Jefferson's advice.

Genet's Actions in the U.S.

Mission to Charleston

  • Genet went to Charleston, SC, which was strategically chosen for its popularity with the French Revolution.

  • He organized a public celebration, gaining support and goodwill from the local population.

Instructions from French Government

  • Genet was given funds to hire U.S. merchant vessels and was instructed to arm them to attack British merchant ships, directly violating U.S. neutrality.

  • Washington was unaware of this plan at the outset.

Diplomatic Fallout

  • When Washington learned about Genet's actions, he was furious and considered declaring him persona non grata, which allows a country to refuse to accept a diplomatic agent.

  • Genet sought asylum from execution upon returning to France, based on the new political climate.

Robespierre and the Reign of Terror

Background

  • Maximilien Robespierre rose to power and led the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution.

  • The term refers to the mass executions of those considered enemies of the revolution.

  • Thousands were guillotined, and the atmosphere in France was highly volatile.

Genet's Asylum

  • Genet ultimately sought political asylum in the U.S. and was granted it after a plea by Jefferson to Washington.

  • He later became a U.S. citizen and led a quiet life, marrying a wealthy woman and managing a farm in New York.

Washington's Farewell Address

Key Points

  1. Rejection of Long-term Alliances

    • Washington stressed that the U.S. should avoid long-term foreign alliances, referring to the Treaty of Alliance with France.

  2. Avoidance of Political Parties

    • He warned that political factions could be divisive and detrimental to national unity.

Impact on Future Policies

  • America's emphasis on isolationism was reflected until the 20th century, particularly after WWII.

Washington's Death

Circumstances

  • Washington died on December 14, 1799, likely due to pneumonia exacerbated by treatments like bloodletting, which were standard at the time but now understood to have weakened him further.

  • He was buried initially in a temporary grave, following his wishes to prevent being buried alive, as he feared premature burial if he was mistakenly thought to be dead.

John Adams' Presidency

Challenges with France

  • Adams sought to improve relations with France through diplomacy but faced challenges leading to the XYZ Affair.

  • The XYZ Affair involved American diplomats being asked for bribes before they could meet with French leaders.

Adams' Popularity

  • The response to the Affair led to increased calls for war amongst the public, but Adams opted to avoid war.

  • He faced backlash and historical critique for signing the Sedition Act, which suppressed negative speech against the government.

Conclusion

  • Understanding the political and social landscape during Washington and Adams' presidencies is crucial to grasping early American history and governance.