The Early Republic pt 1

The Constitution was written in 1787 and ratified in 1788, coming into effect in 1789.
The new government established spans from the Eastern Seaboard to the Mississippi River, primarily acquired as a result of the peace treaty.
The population of the new American nation was approximately 4,000,000, predominantly rural, with 80% directly involved in agriculture and 95% living in rural areas.

Following the peace treaty, westward expansion commenced immediately.
There was historical interest in moving into the Ohio River Valley, a source of conflict in the French and Indian War.
The proclamation line had previously limited westward movement.
In 1776, only 150 people resided in what later became Kentucky. By 1790, this number rose to 75,000.
Three states—Kentucky, Tennessee, and Vermont—were added swiftly to the union.

George Washington expressed skepticism about the longevity of the Constitution, predicting it would last fewer than twenty years.
The Articles of Confederation's failure highlighted the need for a stable framework.
The nation was fragile, with states lacking a history of collaboration.
Communication between states was slow and inefficient, with five days needed for information to travel from New York to Boston and twenty days from Boston to South Carolina.
The military force was limited, with only 700 soldiers to protect against various threats from indigenous tribes and hostile foreign powers.

European nations, accustomed to monarchies, doubted the viability of the American republic.
The expectation was that the U.S. would fail, leading to broad skepticism about the experiment in governance.
Remarkably, America succeeded, surprising many historical observers.

Washington, elected unanimously as president, garnered significant trust from the populace, easing skepticism about the new government.
Despite not being a military genius, he displayed exceptional leadership skills, guiding the nation through fragile times.
His careful, methodical decision-making was pivotal, promoting collaboration with knowledgeable advisors rather than adopting an authoritarian approach.

Shared political philosophy included republicanism, featuring:
- Balance of liberty and power.
- Emphasis on popular sovereignty.
- Promotion of a virtuous and independent society.

The emergence of political parties began within Washington's cabinet, with disputes between key figures leading to broader conflicts in Congress.
The initial factionalism reflected differing views on governance rather than outright opposition.
The Federalist Party, led by Alexander Hamilton, supported a strong national government and economic policies favoring industrial expansion.
The Democratic-Republican Party, aligned with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, advocated for agricultural interests and states’ rights, fearing excessive federal power.

Hamilton advocated for:
- Federal government assuming state debts.
- Funding debts at full face value, benefiting financial speculators.
- Creation of a national bank to stabilize the economy.
- Protective tariffs to promote American manufacturing.
Jefferson opposed Hamilton's measures, arguing:
- States that had already paid debts should not have to support others.
- Bonds should be paid to original holders, not speculators.
- A national bank would concentrate power and undermine state sovereignty.

A tax on whiskey led to protests among farmers, resulting in a rebellion.
Hamilton viewed the response, calling up 10,000 troops, as validation of his fears regarding public disorder.
Jefferson and Madison perceived the military response as indicative of potential tyranny in the new government.

The French Revolution drew mixed responses, with Jefferson advocating for support of their revolutionary ideals while Hamilton urged caution due to the ensuing chaos.
Washington’s administration opted for neutrality, culminating in Jay's Treaty that was criticized for not addressing American grievances effectively.
The treaty caused concern among other nations, prompting Spain to negotiate the beneficial Pinkney's Treaty, reopening trade routes.

Washington's administration was marked by efforts to stabilize the nation and address critical early challenges, including economic recovery and foreign diplomacy, as well as internal dissent.
Compromises were vital to navigate disputes, leading to the establishment of foundational government policies that shaped future governance.