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Democracy and Dissent
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Election of George Washington
George Washington is elected the first President of the United States, along with John Adams as his Vice President. His popularity ever since the Revolution secured his spot in the new government. -
Judiciary Act of 1789
Primarily made by Oliver Ellsworth, it created a Supreme Court. It appointed a chief justice along with five associate judges. John Jay accepted the position of chief justice, but not many other well known intellectuals joined him. The Act also set up 13 district courts that reviewed the desicions of the state courts. -
Report On The Public Credit
Alexander Hamilton compiled all the information he had read on U.S economy. He found that the national debt was at $54 million. It came mostly from the Revolutionary War and foreign loans. Creditors were owed approximately $25 million, but many had sold certificates at discount prices, raising the price to closer to $40 million. -
Bank of United States?
Alexander Hamilton put forth his second major idea, to create a Bank of States. He wanted to create the bank so that it would be tied directly to a strong government, in order for his own success to affect it. He argued that it was needed to issue money, and for complex transactions. Others in Congress, such as Madison, disagreed and fought against him. -
Report On Manufactures
The third major economic report Hamilton presented wrapped up his whole scheme. This one had to do with the American manufacturing. He believed they should start making their own goods in order to stop relying as much on Europe. Hamilton knew that without government intervention, people would continue farming, so he proposed a set of tariffs and bounties. -
The French Revolution
When the French began to rebel, they called upon their old allies in America, asking for help in return for the help given in the American Revolution. America wanted to remain neutral in the war though. Great Britain had the largest navy in the world, and the new country was unsure of its ability to defend itself. But no one knew whether the treaties signed in 1788 required the Americans to join up with the French. -
Washington's Second Term
When Washington began his 2nd term as President of the United States, foreign affairs were becoming more and more important, especially with French and Britain, who were on edge with each other. The economy was no longer the main topic of discussion in the government. -
The Battle of Fallen Timbers
General Anthony Wayne defeated Indians in the Northwest Territory, and the Treaty Of Grenville was signed, giving the U.S territory that became Ohio. -
The Whiskey Rebellion
Farmers in Pennsylvania gathered to protest the tax put on distilled whiskey in 1791, thinking it unfair. The governor refused to supress the rebellion, so Washington and Hamilton took the militia to quell the rebellion. But when they got there, the rebels had disappeared without a trace. Only two people were arrested, but were let go shortly after. -
Jay's Treaty
John Jay was sent to Lond to negotiate the removal of British forts in the U.S, payment for their captured ships, acceptance of American definition of natural rights, and improved commercial relations. They were alerted by Hamilton, who secretly told them that America would compromise on most of the presented issues. They only removed their troops and rejected most of the other ideas. This maintained peace, but was bad for Jay. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Published in newspapers throughout the country, Washington's Farewell Address spotted on many important issues. He warned against political factions, and suggested that the U.S refrain from making any permanent alliance with foreign countries. It was seen to promote the Federalists in the next election, although when he first became president, Washington was believed to be above parties. -
Treaty of San Lorenzo
THomas Pinckney is genourously offered the opening of the Mississippi, trade in New Orleans without duties, a southern boundary of the 31st parallel, and a promise to stay out of the indian affairs by the Spanish. It was ratified without one vote against the astonishing document. -
Election of John Adams
In 1796, John Adams became the second president of the U.S. with Thomas Jefferson seated as his Vice President. Hamilton had tried to prevent his worst enemies coming to power, but did not succeed. Adams was left with Washington's cabinet, who talked with Hamilton behind his back. He also had to deal with Jefferson, who was a Republican. -
XYZ Affair
Delegates were sent to France in order to solidify peace, and were treated outlandishly. Intermidiaries would not even allow them to talk to the minister of foreign relations without a $250,000 bribe. They also wanted to be loaned millions of dollars. The delegates stormed off, and these intermidiaries became known as X, Y, and Z. -
Army is Reorganized
The Army, which had slightly disbanded in order to conserve funds, was reassembled by Federalists in order to quell opposition, under the excuse of the possibility of French invasion. George Washington came out of retirement in order to lead the troops, with Hamilton as his second in command. -
The Alien and Sedition Acts
Alien Enemies Law: In times of war, the president could detain or deport any citizen of the nation(s) America was at war with.
Alien Law: The president could expel any foreigner from the country by executive decree. 2 year limit.
Naturalization Law: A 14 year period was required before foreigners could become citizens.
Sedition Law: Critisism of the American Government was criminal. -
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison respectively, they both wanted state assemblies to be able to interpret the Constitution. The Kentucky Resolutions wanted states to retain power over anything not specifically given to the federal government in the Constitution, The Virginia Resolution stated states should defend peoples rights (it did not mention anything about states having power over the federal government) -
Adams Confirms Peace
Adams finally states his seperation from the Hamiltonian Federalists. When he found out Talleyrand claimed the XYZ Affair to be a misunderstanding, he sent a newly elected representative, William Vans Murray, with Ellsworth and Davie to negotiate. The Americans were not reimbursed for vessels taken, but the treaties of 1778 were declared void. -
The Peaceful Revolution
Federalists were divided between Adams and Pinckney. They were so concentrated on this that Jefferson and Aaron Burr were tied in the electoral vote. The vote went to the House Of Representatives. After a prolonged stalemate, Federalists decided they favored Jefferson over Burr, and Thomas Jefferson became the 3rd President of the United States. -
The Twelfth Amendment
In order to keep the people from repeating the turmoil of the Election of 1800, the Twelfth Amendment made seperate ballots for the president and vice president.