1. Chapter 9 Lesson 4
The Second President

2. I. Conflict with France
As soon as John Adams took office he faced a crisis with France.
France objected to Jay’s Treaty; they felt it favored Britain.
1797- French Ships began to seize American Ships in the West Indies
To avoid war, Adams sent diplomats to Paris to discuss the rights of neutral nations.
French Prime Minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand sent three agents to offer the Americans a deal.
1. Wanted $250,000 for Minister de Talleyrand
2. $10 million loan for France

3. II. XYZ Affair
American diplomats informed President Adams, and he informed Congress.
Never told Congress their names- just referred to them as X,Y, and Z.
Americans were outraged when they heard about the bribes.
Adams refused to go to war.
Strengthened the navy by building frigates-
fast-sailing ships with many guns.

4. III. New leadership in France
President Adams again sent diplomats to France.
When they arrived, they met an ambitious young military leader in charge, Napoleon Bonaparte.
1. Bonaparte had no time or interest in fighting a war with America- had several other wars planned with European countries.
2. Signed an agreement to stop seizing American Ships
C. President Adams kept war away, but it cost him the support of the Federalist party and weakened the party.

5. IV. Alien and Sedition Acts
1798- Federalists pushed several laws through Congress known as the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Alien Acts
1. President could expel any foreigner thought to be dangerous to the country
2. It also made immigrants wait 14 years to maybe become citizens, before they only had to wait 5.
3. It was passed because many immigrants supported Jefferson and the Republicans

6. C. Sedition Acts 1. Citizens could be fined or jailed if they criticize the government or its officials 2. Republicans claimed that it was unconstitutional because it violated the 1st amendment

7. V. Rights of the States
Jefferson (VP) opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts
- Could not ask courts for help - Federalists controlled them
B. Jefferson urged the states to take strong action against the acts
C. He argued that the states had the right to nullify a law passed by the government
D. In this way, states could resist the power of Federal government
1. Jefferson and Madison led the fight with Kentucky and Virginia
2. Both states passed resolutions in 1798 and 1799 known as the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions

8. 4. The resolutions raised the idea of states’ rights
3. Each state claimed they had “equal right to judge for itself” if a law was unconstitutional, it could nullify it.
4. The resolutions raised the idea of states’ rights
-States’ rights- States possessed all other powers not explicitly given to federal government in the Constitution.
E. Within a few years both acts were changed or dropped.

9. VI. Election of 1800
A. As election time neared, Republicans focused on two main topics 1. Attacked the Federalists for raising taxes to “prepare for war”. 2. Opposed the Alien and Sedition acts B. Republicans backed Jefferson and Aaron Burr C. Federalists backed Adams for President.

10. 1. After votes were counted Jefferson won the popular vote.
D. Deadlock Election
1. After votes were counted Jefferson won the popular vote.
2. When the Electoral college voted , both Jefferson and Burr received 73 votes.
3. No candidate won
4. House of Representatives would decide the election
--4 days and 36 votes later the tie was broken.
Jefferson –President, Burr-Vice-Pres
E. Soon after the election of 1800, the 12th Amendment was passed.
Required electors to vote separately for President and Vice President (1804)

11. VII. Federalist era ends
After 1800, the Federalist party declined.
-They won fewer seats in Congress.
B. The party was weakened even further after its leader, Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr.
C. Though the party would die, the Federalist party did shape the nation.

12. D. Hamilton V Burr, Duel to the Death
Hamilton and Burr met on July 11,1804 in Weehawken, New Jersey.
Both men would fight the final scrimmage of personal and political battles.
Hamilton did not want to duel.
Knew if he didn’t, his career would be over and there was a chance if he did it would be over
Both fired one shot from a dueling pistol
Burr was not hit
Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the next day
Burr was charged with two counts of murder.
Burr never held an office again after he finished his term as Vice President