New Republic Era

George Washington Administration George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States in 1789 Instead of being called “His Highness” or “His Majesty the President”, George Washington set the precedent by asking to be called simply “Mr. President.” What is a precedent? An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in similar circumstances in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD7b7repoRM

The Cabinet Congress set up three departments and two offices within the executive branch Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson (handles relations with other nations) Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton (manage the nation’s money) Secretary of War: Henry Knox (look after the nation’s defense) Attorney General: Edmund Rudolph (to address the nation’s legal affairs) Office of postmaster general

Establishing the court system The Judiciary Act of 1789: This established a federal court system President Washington chose John Jay to lead the Supreme Court as chief justice The Supreme Court also consisted of 5 associate justices

Global Issues: Washington’s administration 1789-1795

The French Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZqarUnVpo Thomas Jefferson: U.S. minister to France supported the Revolution Many Americans supported the Revolution and celebrated French independence Some Americans were not as pleased. They were disturbed by the beheading of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.

U.S. Neutrality Following the French Revolution, France and Great Britain went to war. Americans were split, some siding with France and others with the British. Congress was also divided Washington: Issued the Neutrality Proclamation. Stating that the United States would not take sides with countries at war in Europe. What was Washington thinking? This was the safest and most reasonable plan.

Citizen Genet Edmond Genet: France’s new representative to the United States Came to America seeking supporters for France. He found 4 sea captains who agreed to command privateers – private ships allowed by a country to attack its enemies. George Washington: warned Genet that recruiting privateers on American soil hurt U.S. neutrality and was sent back home. Thomas Jefferson: wanted Genet sent back home, but wanted to support France. Believed that pro-British Hamilton was influencing the president’s foreign policy. Eventually, Jefferson decided to leave Washington’s cabinet.

Jay’s Treaty In 1793, the British began seizing all ships carrying food to the French West Indies. British encouraged American Indian uprisings on the western frontier. Could this lead to another war against the British? In 1794, both sides reached an agreement. Jay’s Treaty was a compromise. Great Britain: agreed to pay damages for seized American ships and abandon their forts United States: would pay the pre-Revolutionary debts it owed to British merchants

Jay’s Treaty Many Congressional leaders: argued that the treaty was unsuccessful Why? Ignored important issues. Did not prevent Britain from capturing large American ships or supporting American Indians on the frontier. Washington: disliked the treaty, but felt that it was the best the United States could do. The Senate approved the treaty.

Pinckney’s Treaty Dispute about the border between the United States and Florida with Spain. Spain closed the port of New Orleans to U.S. trade in 1784. After negotiating, the Spanish minister Manuel de Godoy agreed to Pinckney’s Treaty. Spain agreed to change the Florida border Spain reopened the port at New Orleans to American ships Washington and most other Americans considered Pinckney’s Treaty a success.

The Whiskey Rebellion By 1791 the United States suffered from significant debt incurred during the Revolutionary War. Secretary Hamilton, a Federalist supporting increased federal authority, intended to use the excise tax to lessen this financial burden. Despite resistance from Anti-Federalists like Thomas Jefferson, Congress passed the legislation. Western farmers felt the tax was an abuse of federal authority wrongly targeting a demographic that relied on crops such as corn, rye, and grain to earn a profit Protesters refused to pay the tax Washington assembled 13,000 men from state militias and the rebels fled.

Washington’s Farewell Address Washington easily won 2 terms as President. He refused to run for a 3rd term, setting a precedent that would last until 1940. Washington’s Farewell Address set an important precedent for international relationships. Washington warned the US to stay out of treaties with European countries that might pull the US into war. He also said that political parties were dangerous and should be avoided.