A House Divided Federalists vs Republicans George Washington

A House Divided: Federalists vs. Republicans George Washington : President John Adams: Vice President Thomas Jefferson: Secretary of State

The Debt Dilemma • $75 Million debt from the Revolutionary War. • Federal government would assume all of the State’s debt (Federalists), but Virginia, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina had already paid off their debt. • Debt free states were angry because they were supporting cash strapped States. (Republicans)

The French Revolution • The French Revolution starts yet another European war (Mainly between England France) • Federalists side with England (75% of trade is with Britain, lots of tariff revenue from trade). • Republicans side with France, philosophical connection to the revolutionaries. • Washington decides to stay neutral, but the British Navy stops any American trade with France.

Quasi-War with France - 1798 • Undeclared War with France • French Navy seized 300 American ships in the Atlantic who were attempting to trade with Britain. • French angry over continued American trade with Britain. • French diplomats demand: $250, 000 bribe (just to discuss the issue), $12 million in loans, and Prostitutes.

Life After Washington • John Adams (Federalists) vs. Thomas Jefferson (Republican). Adams wins 71 -68 in the Electoral College. • Alexander Hamilton concocted a plan to steal the election during the electoral college meeting, he attempts to have Thomas Pinckney (a random diplomat) elected President. It does not work. • Adams elected President, Jefferson elected Vice President (only time President and VP are from different parties)