The Presidency of John Adams 1796 1800 EQ

The Presidency of John Adams 1796 -1800 EQ – How did President Adams confront internal & international conflicts during this era?

1796 Adams elected President 1 – What problems did this election underscore? Party division! Jefferson (D-R), the second place finisher, became Adams’ Vice-President

Federalists vs. Democrat-Republicans Federalists Strong central government Supported National Bank Supported suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion High Tariffs/Excise Taxes Alexander Hamilton Loose Interpretation of the Constitution Democrat- Republicans Support State’s Rights Opposed heavy excises/tariffs/National Bank Desired a strong Bill of Rights Disgusted by the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion Thomas Jefferson Formerly the “Anti. Federalists” Strict Constructionists

The Napoleonic Wars Napoleon = dictator of France Declares war on Europe (Britain, German Confederation, Austria, Italy, Russia) America hopes to serve as peace maker

Political Parties Despite Washington’s warnings, political parties developed. The first two political parties were the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists wanted a strong national government. The Democratic-Republicans thought a strong national government would lead to tyranny.

Hamilton versus Jefferson Alexander Hamilton led the Federalists. Thomas Jefferson led the Democratic-Republicans. Northern merchants and manufacturers became Federalists. Southern farmers and workers became Democratic. Republicans

John Adams Becomes 2 nd President After Washington retired, his Vice. President, John Adams became the second president. Thomas Jefferson came in second. He became Vice-President.

XYZ Affair The U. S. was having problems with France. They were seizing American ships so they couldn’t trade with England. Adams sent men to France to work out the problems. However, the talks would occur only if the Americans agreed to loan France $10 million and to pay the minister a bribe of $250, 000. The Americans refused. The incident became known as the XYZ Affair.

1796 XYZ Affair 2 – What effect did this have on US-French relations? Hurt US-French relations; fought against French ships (Quasi War)

Alien and Sedition Acts President Adams was criticized for the XYZ affair by Democratic-Republican newspapers. He blamed the papers and new immigrants for his problems. To silence his critics, the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed. These acts targeted aliens —immigrants who were not yet citizens.

1798 Alien & Sedition Acts 3 – What measures were contained in these acts? Immigrants who criticize or publicly discredit the government can be arrested & deported Which party passed this law? How did this law help this party?

One act increased the waiting period for becoming a U. S. citizen from 5 to 14 years. Other acts gave the president the power to arrest disloyal aliens or order them out of the country during wartime. A fourth act outlawed sedition. Saying or writing anything false or harmful about the government became illegal. Newspaper editors were arrested. Many people thought the Alien and Sedition Acts violated the First Amendment.

1798 Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions 4 – What did these resolutions declare? Declared the Alien & Sedition Acts unconstitutional Who wrote these controversial resolutions? Why does this cause a problem?

Adams wins the Presidency in the Election of 1796 French attack US ships (impressment) XYZ Affair Quasi War (undeclared naval war) Alien & Sedition Acts Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions Jefferson is elected President (1800) What was the effect of Adams’ Presidency on the nation?

Policy Issues for President Adams Jay Treaty (1794) French impressment of American ships French feel betrayed because the US signed a treaty with Britain

Policy Issues for President Adams French impressment of American ships XYZ Affair Adams sends men to negotiate peace, but French officials demand humiliating bribes

Policy Issues for President Adams XYZ Affair Quasi War Insulated, the US expands the navy & fights an undeclared war with France

Policy Issues for President Adams Quasi War Alien & Sedition Acts Since most immigrants were French, US begins to arrest & deport those who criticize the government

Policy Issues for President Adams Alien & Sedition Acts Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions Most immigrants supported the D-R’s, so Jefferson & Madison declare the controversial law unconstitutional

Policy Issues for President Adams Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions Election of 1800 Alien & Sedition Acts are unpopular, leading to Adams losing his bid for re-election

Election of 1800 “Revolution of 1800” – Peaceful transition of power

Election of 1800 Adams could not win reelection Jefferson wins the election, ties with Aaron Burr in the Electoral College Alexander Hamilton dislikes Jefferson, but hates Burr… he pushes for Jefferson to win House of Representatives breaks the tie, Jefferson is chosen president, Burr = VP