The New Government and Washington’s Presidency

President- George Washington Vice- President- John Adams New Leaders President- George Washington Vice- President- John Adams Secretary of State- Thomas Jefferson (foreign relations) Secretary of Treasury- Alexander Hamilton

America’s Capital (do not copy) New York City in 1789 Moves to Philadelphia in 1790, remains there for a decade while Capital City was being built. Then moves to a 10 square mile area between Virginia and Maryland know as The District of Columbia, or Washington, D.C.

Washington’s Challenges He had to deal with problems in Europe as well as domestic (home) problems.

War between France and England Washington did not know who to side with during this battle. Britain’s navy still dominated the sea. France helped the colonists during the revolution.

President Washington issued a Proclamation of Neutrality. Policy of Neutrality April 1793 President Washington issued a Proclamation of Neutrality. The U.S. did not take sides at this point during their war.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan Hamilton wanted to get the new nation started on a strong Economic footing. He proposed four key elements:

1.) Assumption- national gov’t would pay off all war debts of states Key Elements 1.) Assumption- national gov’t would pay off all war debts of states 2.) National Bank- would win support of businesses

Key Elements Continued: 3.) Excise Tax- raise tax on Whiskey to earn more money 4.) Protective Tariff- designed to shield the nation’s industry from foreign competition--- planned rejected.

The Whiskey Rebellion Western Pennsylvanian farmers protested and refused to pay tax on Whiskey they made from grain

The Whiskey Rebellion Continued Washington sent 12,000 troops to Pittsburgh to dissolve the rebellion. Displayed federal governments intention to enforce federal law Showed strength of the new government

Foreign Policy- Jay’s Treaty In 1794 Washington agreed to side with the British. John Jay was sent to negotiate a treaty. Britain would leave forts in Northwest Expanded trade between the two

Jay’s Treaty-Continued Britain would not stop searching American ships for British subjects.

Jay’s Treaty- continued Extremely unpopular Many Americans believed this treaty did not protect American sailors and went against the revolution by siding with the British.

Washington’s Farewell 1796 Stay neutral in foreign affairs Set two-term precedent for Presidents No formation of Political parties