Overview: The First Three Presidents

George Washington—

Bill of Rights Written in 1789, Ratified in 1791

Hamilton’s Economic Plan Report on the Public Credit (1790) Providing for the federal assumption and payment of both the domestic and the foreign debt. His Report on a National Bank (1790) advocated a private bank with semipublic functions. His opinion on the implied powers of the Constitution persuaded Washington of the constitutionality of the bank. His Report on the Subject of Manufactures (1791) presented the classical arguments in support of protective duties (tariffs), he was more inclined to use government subsidies than to rely on a high tariff.

Washington Declares Neutrality The French Revolution began in 1789 as an uprising against the monarchy but it became increasingly bloody and by 1793, France was at war with the rest of Europe. 1793: Washington saw no good reason why the US should enter the war on behalf of either Britain or France. Federalists tend to prefer the British, while Jeffersonians prefer the French.

Diplomacy Under Washington

Whiskey Rebellion--1794

John Adams—

The XYZ Affair—Crisis With France John Adams faced a dilemma. His party wanted war with France, but he wanted to follow Washington’s neutrality policy. Adams sent 3 negotiators to France. The French refused to meet with the Americans unless they were granted a loan and a bribe. Americans were outraged by this so-called XYZ Affair

Quasi War with France From the US fought an undeclared naval war with France. This mostly amounted to seizing each others’ ships. Adams never gave in to the pressure for a full war with France.

The Alien & Sedition Act (1798) The Alien Act authorized the president to deport any resident alien considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States." Enacted June 25, 1798, with a two year expiration date. The Sedition Act made it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the government or its officials. Enacted July 14, 1798, with an expiration date of March 3, The Naturalization Act extended the duration of residence required for aliens to become citizens, from five years to 14. Enacted June 18, 1798, with no expiration date, it was repealed in The Alien Enemies Act (official title: An Act Respecting Alien Enemies) authorized the president to apprehend and deport resident aliens if their home countries were at war with the United States. Enacted July 6, 1798, with no expiration date, it remains in effect today.

Thomas Jefferson—

The Revolution of 1800 Jefferson wins the presidency Adams peacefully steps down This is the first peaceful transfer of power from one party to another in US history.

Louisiana Purchase--1803

Marbury vs. Madison (1803) Judicial Review

The Embargo Act of 1807 President Jefferson and congress responded to French & British interference with American trade by prohibiting all US exports. This failed to persuade the Europeans to respect American neutrality.

James Madison—

Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 In 1809, the Non-Intercourse Act reopened the US to trade with all nations EXCEPT France & Britain. Still...the US ships were seized by both the British and French navies.

Macon’s Bill Number 2 Congress finally restored trade with all nations in However, if either Britain or France stopped interfering with American trade, the US would restore the embargo against the other nation. President Madison accepted an ambiguous offer by the French to stop seizing American ships and the US restored the embargo against Britain. Leading to…

War of 1812 Eventually, after years of hostility war between the US and Britain finally reignited in After nearly 20 years of trying to maintain its neutrality the US was finally drawn into a full war with a European Power.