Political Developments in the Early Republic

Chapter 11

Washington as President

On April 30, 1789 George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States.

However, the new government was already facing money problems and the national treasury was empty.

The Whiskey Rebellion

Congress decided to tax whiskey and many settlers protested

This was seen as a threat to the national government

The protesters tarred and feathered tax collectors who tried to enforce the law

The French Revolution

Many Americans saw the French Revolution as a crusade for democracy

The French government began cutting off the heads of wealthy people

Americans then withdrew their support

Washington’s Farewell Address

Washington served two terms and at the end he gave a message to the Americans that they must bind together as a people

He gave 2 warnings: Avoid problems with other countries And beware of loyalty to political parties

Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Party-Personal Background

Was born in the west Indies and raised on the Caribbean Island of St. Croix.

Was poor and made his way on ability, ambition, and charm

Hamilton represented New York in Congress

Best form of Government-Federalists

Federalists believed that the country should be ruled by the “best people” educated, wealthy men like themselves.

Favored a strong

national government

Ideal Economy-Federalists Hamilton’s dream

of national greatness depended upon developing a strong economy.

Promote business, manufacturing, and trade

View of Human Nature

Hamilton’s view was shaped by wartime experiences

Hamilton believed that people were selfish and greedy and out for themselves

He distrusted any system that gave too much power to the common people

Relations with Britain and France

Federalists sided with Britain

Hamilton hoped that the U.S. would be like Britain: a powerful, respected nation

Thomas Jefferson and the Republican Party-Personal Background

Was born in Virginia on a farm

He was an accomplished writer, Declaration of Independence

3rd president of the United States

Best form of Government -Republicans

Republicans favored a small government with limited powers

Favored democracy-where the “people” vote

Ideal Economy-Republicans

Favored an economy based on agriculture and farming

They felt that Federalists were very “anti-farmer”

View of Human Nature

Jefferson had great faith and was more hopeful in the goodness and wisdom of people

Relations with Britain and France

Most Americans favored the Revolution until it got violent, but despite the violence, Republicans continued to support France

The Alien Acts

The Sedition Acts

Sedition is encouraging rebellion against the government, it was considered a crime

Included speaking, writing, or printing anything hateful about the government

Federalists views on Alien Acts

Federalists passed the acts to protect the country from “troublemakers” and make life difficult for the Republicans

Federalist Views on the Sedition Acts

it would punish only those who published lies intended to destroy the government

Republican views on the Alien Acts

Since most immigrants voted Republican, this act was seen as an attack on Republicans

Republican Views on the Sedition Acts

Felt it was an attack of the 1st amendment right, freedom of speech and press

President George Washington 1789-1797

Creates a foreign policy

The new nation was surrounded by unfriendly powers

Washington knew that the U.S. was not prepared for war, declared neutrality

1796 North American Land Claims

Washington’s Farewell Address

Washington served two terms and at the end he gave a message to the Americans that they must bind together as a people

He gave 2 warnings: Avoid problems with other countries And beware of loyalty to political parties

The National Debt Dilemma

The new nation faced serious financial problems, the national debt was growing

Alexander Hamilton, secretary of treasury to Washington proposed a plan to help save the nation

The National Bank

Hamilton’s proposal was to build a strong economy and asked Congress to create a national bank, the Bank of the United States

This bank would make loans available to owners of small businesses

Tariffs and Taxes

Most Americans made their living by farming.

Hamilton felt that manufacturing would make the economy stronger

He proposed a tariff, or tax on imports, to encourage people to buy American products

Protective Tariff

The protective tariff would protect the American industry from foreign competition

Federalists supported protective tariffs

Opposition to Hamilton’s plan The South,

having little industry to protect, were against protective tariffs.

The first political parties developed as a result of Hamilton’s financial plan

President John Adams 1797-1801 2nd President

The French navy began attacking American ships bound for Britain

Adams followed Washington’s advice to avoid alliances with other countries and managed to avoid war with France

President Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809 3rd president

The Louisiana Purchase was bought for $15 million from the French 1803

Doubled the size of the United States

Those who were against the purchase felt that more land would be hard to govern

The Louisiana Purchase

Marbury vs. Madison

Established the principal of judicial review and that the courts have the power to interpret the law

McCulloch vs Maryland

Showed support for the power of the federal government

Gibbons vs Ogden- the court held that the federal law takes precedence over state law in interstate transportation

Causes of the War of 1812-James Madison 4th president

War of 1812- war against Britain caused by the following: American merchants resent British

barriers to trade with France Americans believe British push

Native Americans to fight settlers War Hawks want to expand into

Canada

Effects of the War of 1812

Heroism of Andrew Jackson increases American patriotism

Loss of trade during the war encourages growth of American manufacturing

United States proves it could defend itself against the world’s strongest military power

The Monroe Doctrine

Hands off the Americas after the War of 1812

Important events in chronological order

The National Bank is established

The Louisiana Purchase 1803

War of 1812Era of Good Feelings