The Early Republic 1788-1829
The New Government George Washington is elected the 1st president by the Electoral College in 1788 Inaugurated in 1789
George Washington 1789-1797 Many precedents, or traditions, were established during Washington’s term as President. These are also known as the unwritten constitution. Examples the Cabinet, political parties, serving two terms as president. These came about in order to help the government run better.
Establishing U.S. Foreign Policy In 1789, the French Revolution broke out By 1792, the British were at war with France to stop the spread of the French Revolution Who should the U.S. support? Alexander Hamilton Support Great Britain Thomas Jefferson Support France
Proclamation of Neutrality 1793 President Washington issues the Proclamation of Neutrality The U.S. will not take sides in the war in Europe Why does the U.S. proclaim neutrality? Too weak to defend itself Atlantic Ocean separates us, and allows us to stay neutral Allows the U.S. to focus on domestic issues (economy, westward expansion, etc)
Impact of the Proclamation of Neutrality “the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent Powers” Washington does what is best for the United States Neutrality/Isolationism becomes the U.S. foreign policy until World War I in 1917.
Hamilton’s Economic Plan Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton proposed a 4-part plan to stimulate the American economy It was a very controversial plan 1. Assumption Plan The Federal government would take over (or assume) the debt of the states in order to establish credit for the U.S. Northerners supported this, Southerners didn’t Hamilton and James Madison agreed to pass this law if the capital moved to the South (Washington, D.C. is created).
Hamilton’s Economic Plan 2. Protective Tariff Hamilton wanted to pass a tariff to help pay off this debt Southerners objected (they thought it would raise prices for all goods), and it does not pass Congress 3. Excise Tax (Tax on domestic goods) Hamilton also wanted to tax some domestic goods A tax on whiskey was passed, that led farmers in Pennsylvania to revolt in 1794 (Whiskey Rebellion). This rebellion was put down by Washington, and proved the new government was stronger than it was under the Articles of Confederation
Hamilton’s Economic Plan 4. National Bank He also proposed a national bank The bank would be able to lend the government money, print currency, and extend credit to business (regulate the nation’s money supply) It passed in Congress, and was chartered for 20 years It would put the U.S. on a strong financial footing
Opposition to the National Bank Thomas Jefferson led the opposition to the bank He believed it gave the government too much power, and was unconstitutional His opposition led to the formation of the first political parties
Formation of Political Parties Democratic-Republicans Federalists Led by Jefferson Opposed to the national bank Wanted a weaker federal government, and stronger states Strict interpretation of the Constitution --If the Constitution does not mention something, then it is unconstitutional Led by Hamilton Supported the national bank Favored a stronger federal government Loose interpretation of the Constitution (elastic clause) --If the Constitution does not ban something, then it is constitutional
Washington’s Farewell Address In 1796 Washington retired after two terms He issued a Farewell Address Avoid political parties (create disunity) The U.S. should continue its neutrality policy with Europe 1796—V.P. John Adams is elected the 2nd president 2 terms in office becomes a tradition, proves the U.S. won’t become a dictatorship
The Election of 1800 Adams vs Jefferson Neither candidate won a majority in the Electoral College House of Representatives decided the election—elected Jefferson over Adams and Aaron Burr Impactfirst peaceful transfer of power (from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans)
Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809 Brought a new ideology (set of beliefs) to the government Wanted a smaller, weaker federal government Believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution Thought the United States should be a nation of small farmers 1803Marbury v. Madison—establishes Supreme Court’s ability of judicial review
Louisiana Purchase 1803 Jefferson wanted to ensure U.S. access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans for trade Napoleon offers all of Louisiana to the U.S. for $15 million (3 cents an acre) Constitutional issue Can the U.S. buy Louisiana if Jefferson follows belief of strict interpretation?
Impact of Louisiana Purchase Doubles the size of the United States Access to rivers for trade and westward expansion Many natural resources
The War of 1812 Causes of the War of 1812 1. Impressment of US sailors by British navy 1807—Embargo Act—US bans trade w/Great Britain; fails to stop the British 2. British support of Native American attacks on western settlers “War Hawks” western congressmen in favor of war President James Madison asks Congress to declare war—1st declared war in US history The US has major disadvantages against Great Britain: Smaller, untrained army and navy
The War of 1812 Great Britain wins most of the battles 1814—Washington, D.C. invaded and the White House burned down Treaty of Ghent (1814) The U.S. and Great Britain agree to return to the borders before the war. Treaty is beneficial to the United States Battle of New Orleans (1815) Fought after the treaty (slow communication); the United States wins; leads to the rise of Andrew Jackson and begins a period of nationalism
Nationalism/Era of Good Feelings The War of 1812 led to a period of nationalism “Era of Good Feelings”—only one political party (Democratic-Republicans) and little disunity Pride in US because of Battle of New Orleans New policies that strengthened the government Supreme Court Decisions 1819—McCulloch vs. Maryland 1824—Gibbons vs. Ogden Foreign Policy Monroe Doctrine (1823)US will continue policy of neutrality in Europe if European countries stay out of the Western Hemisphere (the Americas)