Chapter 6 Section 2: The Election of 1800
John Adams as President French were angry because of Jay’s Treaty with the British & began seizing American ships in French harbors –Adams sent officials to Paris to negotiate
The XYZ Affair & Troubles with France Americans met with secret agents (X, Y, Z) Demanded a bribe of $250,000 & a loan to the French of $10 million before they would be allowed to see the foreign minister
U.S. refused & came home By 1798 both countries were in an undeclared naval war
The Alien & Sedition Acts Laws passed included increasing the size of the army & higher taxes. Alien Act- gave the President the power to arrest & deport citizens
Naturalization Act- increased the time to become a citizen from 5 to 14 years Sedition Act- person who wrote, published, or said anything “false, scandalous, & malicious” against the government or it’s officials could be fined or jailed
Used to silence Republican opposition 10 Republicans were convicted & many others were put on trial
The VA & KY Resolutions States felt the Alien & Sedition Acts violated the Constitution Constitution doesn’t say who has the authority to judge the constitutionality of laws
Passed these resolutions States have the right to judge whether federal laws agreed with the Constitution
Gabriel Prosser’s Rebellion African American blacksmith He & several other slaves planned a rebellion in the Richmond area Intended to take over Richmond & win freedom Failed before it got underway –At least 20 were executed
The Election of 1800 Adams loses Federalist support Needed to stop the undeclared naval war with France –Peaceful solution angered many Federalists They were in favor of a harsher policy; including a formal declaration of war
Adams sent a second diplomatic mission Hurt him in the election because… –Lost support from aggressive Federalists –Alien & Sedition Acts now seen as unnecessary
Hamilton rallied against Adams urging to vote for Charles Pinckney –Showed lack of unity in the party
The Jeffersonian Republicans Support for France had damaged their popularity Able to use conflicts with the Federalists to their advantage
The Campaign No speeches or statements from the candidates –Conducted through newspapers, pamphlets, etc Jefferson –Accused Adams of being a monarchist –Appealed to the common man –Linked Adams w/Alien & Sedition Acts
Federalists –Jefferson was a godless man –Agent of the French revolution
Jefferson’s Victory Won the popular vote in December, but didn’t win a majority in the Electoral College Jefferson & his running mate Aaron Burr both received 73 votes Adams won 65 & his VP 64
Article II- If 2 candidates tied, the House decides Federalists controlled the old House Jefferson received support from Hamilton Feb. 17- House chose Jefferson on the 36 th ballot
A Peaceful Transfer of Power New capital was designed by Pierre L’Enfant to feature broad boulevards & Roman buildings