The Early Republic (1789-1800) “’tis the event which I have long dreaded” -George Washington on his Presidential election

Washington as President Understood the importance of precedent Called “Mr. President” instead of “His Excellency” First Cabinet Demanded promptness to meetings, formality Signed Judiciary Act of 1789 Washington at time of his Presidency

The Bill of Rights Drafted by James Madison Relied heavily on Virginia Declaration of Rights (George Mason) 10 amendments specifying rights of the people Went into effect 1791

Alexander Hamilton Co-author- The Federalist Papers Industrial vision of America’s future Admired Britain’s strong central government and industrial strength Ambitious, hardworking Appointed first Secretary of the Treasury by GW Ordered to solve nation’s financial problems Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton’s Financial Plan 3 Parts: Report on Public Credit- Federal government assumes all state debts Report on Banking- Asked Congress to create a Bank of the U.S. to issue currency, manage debt, etc. Report on Manufactures- pass a protective tariff to stimulate domestic manufacturing

Opposition to Plan Southerners felt plan favored Northern states Debate over meaning of Constitution “strict” vs “loose” interpretation Was bank “necessary and proper” for the nation? Thomas Jefferson James Madison

Bank of the United States Most controversial part of Hamilton’s plan Led to formation of America’s modern political parties Federalists (pro-Bank), Democratic-Republicans (anti-Bank) 1791- Washington sides with Hamilton, Bank is created (BUS) First Bank of the US- Philadelphia

Washington clearly demonstrates “commander-in-chief” The Whiskey Rebellion 1791- at Hamilton’s urging, Congress imposes direct tax on whiskey- he gambles that if people balk at paying, the Federal government can put down rebellion Summer 1794- rebellion in western Penn. GW leads 15,000 troops to put down rebels Significance- firmly established authority of new government Washington clearly demonstrates “commander-in-chief”

Early Political Parties Hamilton and Federalists Strong central gov’t Rule by wealthy, educated Industrial vision loose interpretation Pro-England Protective tariffs, BUS Jefferson and the Republicans Strong state govts Rule by the common man Agrarian vision strict interpretation Pro-France Anti- tariffs, BUS

Early Political Parties (con’t) Federalists Supported by artisans, merchants, manufacturers, bankers North, urban cities Basis for modern Republican party (in a very roundabout way) Democratic-Republicans Supported by farmers South, western frontier Basis for modern Democratic Party

Foreign Policy Under Washington Revolution in France divides America 1793- Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation (England vs France) Impressments of American ships Jay’s Treaty (1794) Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) Chaos in France

Western Expansion 1780s-90s: area between Appalachians and Miss. River settled rapidly Led to conflicts with Natives (Battle of Fallen Timbers) in Northwest Territory Treaty of Greenville (1795) Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794): American troops vs native confederation

Washington Leaves Office Washington asked to run for 3rd term, refuses (precedent) Writes Farewell Address before leaving Warns against sectionalism, political parties, entangling foreign alliances Washington retires to Mount Vernon after serving as President

John Adams the Man Long record of patriotism, extensive background Bright and capable, but difficult to deal with Tough act to follow Barely defeated Jefferson in 1796 election John Adams

Adams as President Term was characterized by failure Quasi-War with France (XYZ Affair) Alien and Sedition Acts Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions “Midnight Judges” Positive: kept US out of war with France

Think About It… Why was the issue of precedent important to Washington during his term as President? Why was Hamilton’s Financial Plan important to the early success of the nation? Why did Washington warn against political parties in his Farewell Address? Make predictions: future problems, issues facing the nation?