Chapter 11 Political Developments in the Early Republic
Chapter 11 – Political Developments in the Early Republic How did the Federalist and Republican visions for the United States differ?
Chapter 11 Preview • Preview – “Hail, Columbia” – “Fair and Free Elections” – As shown by the differences in these two songs, the nation changed greatly in its first decade. U. S. cities were more interconnected, and the nation faced new foreign threats. – In addition, two strong political parties emerged, the Federalists and the Republicans. In this lesson, you will learn how the Federalists and Republicans differed in their visions for America
Read Chapter 11. 1 • Introduction questions – Why might George Washington have been reluctant to become president? – Why did George Washington choose Hamilton and Jefferson to serve in his cabinet? – Why do think Hamilton and Jefferson became political rivals? • HW: Read 11. 2 -11. 3
11. 2 – Launching the New Government • VIDEO CLIP – John Adams • The Title Debate – Deeply divided 1 st Congress • Build a strong national government • Limit the power of the government – BUT the first major issue was…
– …what to call the leader? • • Your Highness Your Most Benign Highness His Exalted Highness His Elective Highness Most Illustrious and Excellent President His Majesty the President George IV His Highness, the President of the United States, and Protector of the Rights of the Same
• Setting Up the Executive Branch – Department of State = handles relations with other countries – Department of War = defends the nation – Treasury Department = oversees the nation’s finances – Attorney General = president’s legal advisor – Postmaster general = head postal system
11. 3 – Washington as President
• The Whiskey Rebellion – VIDEO – Hamilton and Washington saw this rebellion as a threat, and sent 13, 000 troops to crush the rebellion. – Although it worked, Jefferson thought sending an army was foolish. He also felt Hamilton was prepared to violate freedoms to force government policies.
• A RIVALRY IS BORN
• The French Revolution – VIDEO • Washington’s Farewell Address – Because of growing tensions, Washington agreed to a 2 nd term, but refused to serve more than that. – In his final address, he warned of two threats 1. Other countries 2. Passionate loyalty to parties
11. 4 – Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Party • Personal Background – VIDEO bio • View of Human Nature – People put their own interests and personal profit above patriotism and needs of the country. – He distrusted governments that gave too much power to “the mob”, or common people because it would lead to “error, confusion, and instability. ”
• Best Form of Government – “The best people” should rule: educated, wealthy, public-spirited men – Strong national government – National power & unity was more important than the rights of the states
• Ideal Economy – One that increased the nation’s wealth by using the federal government to promote business, manufacturing, and trade – His plan: combine all states’ war debts to make a national debt • This helped establish the nation’s capital in D. C. between Maryland Virginia – He established a National Bank to have a federally -backed currency
• Relations with Britain and France – During the French Revolution, Hamilton had hope for the “establishment of free and good government”, but lost interest when it turned to chaos and bloodshed – In the war between France and England (1793) Federalists sided with Britain • The hope was that America would become a strong nation like Great Britain, and saw them as a role-model and powerful ally
11. 5 – Thomas Jefferson and the Republican Party • Personal Background – VIDEO bio • View of Human Nature – “I have so much confidence in the good sense of men” – He believed that informed citizens could make good decisions for themselves and their country – He had faith in people who worked the soil – his example was that a farmer could solve problems better than a professor.
• Best Form of Government – Democracy was favored, and having the “best people” rule was too much like a monarchy – Republicans favored a small (weak) government, with strong state governments • They are closer to the people and would keep the national government from getting too powerful
• Ideal Economy – One based on agriculture, not bankers or merchants
• Relations with Britain and France – During the French Revolution, Republicans supported France. They hated the violence, but argued that a few noble heads was a small price to pay for freedom • A French diplomat to America did cause some trouble, and Jefferson had to ask him to return to France
11. 6 – The Presidency of John Adams • By the election of 1796, it was clear that political parties were a part of the election process – Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson – Federalists supported John Adams – John Adams won… by 3 votes. Thomas Jefferson came in 2 nd, and became VP. The nation’s top leaders were political enemies from opposing parties.
• The Alien and Sedition Acts – Adams did try to work closely with Jefferson • Parties made this useless – Federalists passed four controversial laws called the Alien and Sedition Acts • The were supposed to make protect the country from troublemakers, but it really made life difficult for the Republicans
– Three laws focused on aliens (noncitizens) • To vote, immigrants had to wait 14 years instead of 5 • 2 & 3 allowed the president to jail or deport troublemakers – The Sedition Act made rebellions against the government a crime • This includes slanderous or malicious printing, writing, or speaking – It was intended to stop those spreading lies – Instead used to punish Republican newspapers insulting Adams
• The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions – Viewed as an attack on free speech and free press, Jefferson and Madison drew up statements to oppose the Acts at the state level – States had the duty to nullify the laws – Only Virginia and Kentucky adopted the resolution, but it would not be forgotten • The New National Capital – In 1800, the capital was moved to DC
11. 7 – The Election of 1800
• Republicans choice – Jefferson for president – Aaron Burr as his vice president • Federalists – John Adams for president – Charles Pinckney for VP – They loved Hamilton, so why didn’t he get chosen?
• The Campaign – Platform: Jefferson ran with “Frugal and Simple” government; Adams with “Peace and Prosperity” – Was more about insults • Adams = a tyrant who wanted his children to follow him to the throne – Well…. • Jefferson = “howling atheist” who would destroy religion
• The Divided Federalists – Hamilton and followers disagreed with President Adams and his foreign policy • More in Ch 12! – Hamilton convinced Electoral College voters to support Pinckney instead
11. 8 – A Deadlock and a New Amendment • Adams LOST the election – But who won? – Jefferson or Burr? ? ? – It was a TIE!
• Breaking the Tie – Burr SHOULD have told supporters to elect Jefferson • But didn’t, hoping the vote would go his way – The House voted – another tie! – HAMILTON broke the tie • “Jefferson is to be preferred. He is by far not so dangerous a man. ” – The 12 th Amendment was added in 1804 to prevent such ties
• A Peaceful Revolution – A victory for the Democratic-Republican Party (this will split with Adams-Jackson) – A victory for the Constitution • Power changed hands peacefully! – They proved it was better to fight with parties and ballots than armies and bullets! • RIP Hamilton
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