The Founding Fathers By Matthew Opperman
Rational- The Ohio Department of Education requires students to possess and display knowledge of the steps that were taken to transform this nation from the thirteen original colonies to the fully functioning nation that it is today. Personally I have found that if you are to understand American History and the reasons why certain events happened, one needs to understand the men that shaped these events. By understanding the founding fathers students will establish solid building blocks for understanding American History.
Goals Students will be able to recognize and recall historical figures from this era. Students will know the contributions the founding fathers made to create this nation. Students will identify the precedents and examples that the founding fathers set forth.
This lesson will begin at the beginning of Washington’s first term.
Whiskey Rebellion Farmers revolt on tax placed on corn to make whiskey. Washington used militia to suppress rebellion Set precedent that president will use force to put down rebellion.
French Revolution Early American support Extreme group gained control, Revolution turned Violent, American support waned. Washington wants neutrality. Exposes deep divides in Washington's cabinet. Louis XVI
Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Hamilton favored Strong Federal Government. Sided with the British. Did not support the French Revolution. Pushed for National Bank. Received support from aristocracy. Formed Federalists Party.
National Bank Deposited money from tax collected to pay off national debt. Issued paper money to pay off bills and issue loans Protective Tariff- Protect U.S. industry.
Jefferson Favored Strong state governments. Supported the French and the French Revolution. Felt a national bank would be unconstitutional. Received support from farmers,plantation owners, and craftsman. Formed Democratic Republicans.
Jays Treaty Unpopular with many Americans British pay for damages to U.S. ships. U.S. pays all pre-revolutionary debts.
Washington Retires President Washington serves two terms another precedent that he set. At farewell Address warns of two things. Getting involved in European affairs. Oppresses political parties.
John Adams Elected President Thomas Jefferson receives second highest total of electoral votes thus making him Vice- President. The two men were from different parties and had opposing ideals.
The XYZ Affair French seize U.S. ships to revolt against Jay’s treaty. French Prime Minister refuses to deal with American diplomats. Sent secret agents called XYZ to ask for bribe to release ships. Adams refuses the bribe. Builds up navy to convince French to stop attacking American ships. French back down and release American ships.
Alien and Sedition Acts Alien Act Expelled any foreigner thought to be dangerous to the country. Made it harder for foreigners to become citizens (Must live here for 14 years) Limited the amount of people who could vote for the Democratic Republicans. Sedition Act. Illegal for person to rebel or criticize the American government or its officials. Adams hated the criticism he was receiving. Violated 1 st Amendment.
Kentucky and Virginia Resolution Written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Claimed that each state had right to decide if a law is unconstitutional. States could nullify federal law.
Election of Thomas Jefferson wins popular vote. Electoral College split on Jefferson or Burr. After 35 Votes Jefferson wins election. Congress passes 12 th Amendment.
New Style of President. Thomas Jefferson inaugurated in Laissez Faire Government. Government play a small role in economic affairs. Repealed Whiskey Tax Repealed Alien and Sedition act. Decreased the size of the federal government.
Louisiana Purchase (Nation Doubles in Size) Jefferson wanted to control the Mississippi river so farmers and merchants could ship their goods. Bought all of Louisiana Territory for $15 million from the French. Sent Lewis and Clark to explore new land.
Embargo Act Jefferson passes embargo act to hopes of remaining neutral with British and French. Act hurts American merchants. Tarnishes Jefferson Presidency.
Burr and Hamilton Duel. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr face off in a duel. Burr upset because he feels Hamilton slandered his name. Hamilton agrees but never intends to shoot Burr. Burr Shoots and kills Hamilton.
Jefferson and Adams Jefferson retires from presidency in Adams and Jefferson start to write letters to each other and again become friends. Both men die on July 4, 50 th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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The End Be proud of your heritage.