George Washington’s Presidency https://youtu.be/Zm5uPqucnHk

George Washington – Father of the United States Unanimously named president by the Electoral College. Sworn into New York City – the temporary capitol of the United States

First Cabinet Not provided for in the Constitution Vice President – John Adams Secretary of State – Thomas Jefferson Secretary of Treasury – Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War – Henry Knox

Funding the National Debt Hamilton’s goal – bolster national credit status Fund at par – government pays off national debt at face value Debt due to private individuals, foreign countries and banks that bought war bonds during the Revolution Hamilton got the government to issue new bonds at face value – important because the old Continental Bonds dropped in value

Assuming the State’s debts Hamilton wanted Congress to assume – take over – the debts of all the states. He felt it was a national obligation because of the national war for of independence. States with large debts liked the plan. States with small debts or paid them off didn’t. Hamilton got the support of Jefferson by promising to support building the nation’s capitol next to Jefferson’s home state if he would support the assumption. Assuming the State’s debts

Bank of the United States (BUS) Federal government’s bank National mint was to be an extension of this

Revenues High protective tariff: bring in money from imports protect US manufacturers from outside competition Excise Tax (on domestic goods): tax on whiskey led to Whiskey Rebellion first militant challenge to the new Constitution mountain men from Appalachians refused to pay the tax Washington with the help of the military forces from the states put down the rebellion Importance – federal government commanded a new respect from the states.

US attitude toward England – 90% of tariff revenue came from Great Britain continued to export food Federalists were primarily ex- Loyalists (relations very positive) US merchant marines prospered because of trade with England and France.

Neutrality Proclamation US attitude toward France – at first pleased with French Revolution in 1789 but lost hope after the Reign of Terror Democrat-Republicans stayed true to principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity continued to export food without sending larges sums of money or military support The Proclamation – US sided with no one but continued trade with both

The Neutrality Proclamation was issued – US sided with no one but continued trade with both

Jay’s Treaty Complaints against England – they still maintained forts in Old Northwest Territory they were supplying and inciting Indian attacks on American settlers they impressed sailors Chief Justice John Jay was sent to talk to British on these three areas.

Result – Jay’s Treaty: England would withdraw all troops from the Ohio River Valley England would pay Americans for losses at sea US would pay Loyalists for property taken during the War Democrat-Republicans mad because it said nothing of the Indian and impressment problems.

Washington’s Second Term He wanted to retire after his first term but the public wanted him for a second term. Washington relented because of the political turmoil. He was again unanimously elected

Washington’s Farewell Physical fatigue mixed with the verbal abuse from the Democrat-Republicans caused Washington to be determined to retire after his second term. Farwell address was a written message published in newspapers. Help for writing this came from Hamilton. https://www.shmoop.com/historical- texts/george-washington-farewell- address/main-idea.html