1. Topic: Evaluating the Adams Presidency (1797-1801)
Do Now:
Political Parties only serve to make inflammatory statements to the public and build angry opposition. They only impede government progress in passing legislation.
Defend or Refute this statement

2. John Adams as President
Adams as Federalist candidate
Jefferson also running
“mud-slinging” election
Adams wins by narrow margin
Adams stubborn, old fashioned, but “independent”
Revolutionary credentials
Hamilton hates Adams too (“High Federalists”)

3. “Quasi-Naval War” With France
French anger at Jay’s Treaty (pro-British)
French attack American ships
Federalists want war
Adams sends an envoy to France
XYZ Affair
“millions for defense, but not one cent in tribute”
American naval build-up
Undeclared war ( )
France can’t fight another enemy…
Adams tries for peace again
Convention of 1800
Adams now unpopular with Federalists

4. Federalist Hysteria (1798)
Riding anti-French wave
Afraid of Democratic-Republican opposition
Alien Acts
Changing citizenship requirements
Anti-Foreigner
Sedition Acts
Restrict press and speech
Illegal to criticize the government
Matthew Lyon Case

5. Jeffersonians React Sedition acts trying to stop Dem-Rep
End of an opposition party?
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Alien and Sedition against the constitution
States did not have to obey unconstitutional laws
Nullification
Election of 1800:
Jefferson vs. Adams (Again!)
Who wins…?

6. Conclusion
In your opinion, was Adam’s Presidency a failure? What role did “partisan politics” play in the Adam’s Administration’s problems? Explain in 3-4 sentences