Early America October 19, 2007

George Washington 1789-1796 Established a cabinet to advise him Strengthened new government Proclamation of Neutrality Whiskey Rebellion Farewell Address

Alexander Hamilton Secretary of Treasury Hamilton wanted the government to pay for the war costs of the American Revolution, This would establish credit of the nation.

Hamilton’s Plan National Bank-help the government in financial dealings. Excise Tax-Tax on whiskey Protective Tariff- tariffs passed to generate income for the government.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

Early Documents Proclamation of Neutrality Keep trading with nations, but do not take sides or get involved with disputes. Pinckney Treaty 1789 Negotiated with Spain US could navigate the Mississippi River Wide acceptance in US

Whiskey Rebellion 1794 Farmers protested and refused to pay a tax on the whiskey made from grain. Washington called out the state militias and put down the rebellion. Government intended to enforce federal law.

Farwell Address 1796 Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all…The nation which indulged toward another an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave…The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection possible…

John Adams Federalist VP for Washington Alien and Sedition Acts contribute to his unpopularity and the fall of his party.

Tariff 1789 Suggested by James Madison Importers to pay percentage of the valued of their cargo when they landed it in the US. Angered the Southerners because they had to pay more money to ship their goods. Southerners suspected new gov’t not meeting their needs

Alien and Sedition Acts Goal was to strengthen the Federalist party and weaken the Republican Party. More difficult to become a citizen and easier to arrest and deport and non-citizens thought to endanger national security. The Sedition Act made it easier to arrest a person for criticizing the government.

The Marshall Court John Marshall appointed by John Adams. Supported loose interpretation of the constitution. Strengthened federal supremacy and national economic interests. Judicial Activism, court used its power to make public policy (differs from judicial restraint believe that this power should be only when there is a violation of the Constitution)

Thomas Jefferson Anti Federalist Opposed Hamilton’s financial plan of the Bank as being unconstitutional Opposed the Alien and Sedition acts. Louisiana Purchase

Louisiana Purchase Doubled the size of the United States Bought for $15 m or approx. 3 cents and acre. Gained control of the Mississippi. Increased the strength of the federal government.

Constitutional Interpretation How does Jefferson make arrangements to buy the Louisiana Purchase if the Constitution does not have a provision for buying land? Elastic Clause

James Madison The War of 1812

The War of 1812 Britain and France remained at war Britain was seizing American ships en-route to France. Congress passed the Embargo Act of 1807, which prohibited trade with other nations, repealed in 1809. War ended in a draw

Results Native Americans lost their ally in Great Britain. American manufacturing began to grow. Opposing the war weakened the Federalist party. Andrew Jackson becomes a war hero.

James Monroe Monroe Doctrine Set boundaries with Canada Acquired Florida

Monroe Doctrine An end to European colonization in the Western Hemisphere. No intervention of European influence was “dangerous to our peace and safety”. Foundation of US foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere

Monroe Doctrine A promise of nonintervention by the US in European affairs and European colonies. US lacked the military strength to enforce this doctrine, GB agreed to help the US support the doctrine.

Andrew Jackson 1829-1837 Democrat Hero of the battle of New Orleans Closes the bank of the US Opposes Calhoun and Nullification Supported Native American removal policy Spoils system

Andrew Jackson Common man’s President, know as “Old Hickory” Elected from popular vote. Spoils System Gov’t jobs given to loyal supporters of the political party that won the election.

Tariff Issue Southern states opposed protective tariffs which resulted in higher prices paid for manufacturing goods. South saw that the north benefited from these tariffs John C. Calhoun (VP) protested the Tariff of 1828.