1. The Adams Family Moves to Washington
Chapter 6
The Adams Family Moves to Washington

2. Living in the New Capital
John Adams was the first President to live in the President’s House in Washington, D.C.
Called the Executive Mansion
It would be another 100 years until it was officially called the White House
It wasn’t even white at the beginning…it was gray
Moves in toward the end of his term as President

3. Not the Prettiest City
Abigail Adams arrived after John had already moved in
She had some problems with the city
Only a city in name
What does that mean?
What were some of these problems?
Buildings were spread out and unfinished
Roads were muddy (the city was still under construction)
The President’s house was damp (no wood for fireplaces)

4. Some Positives Some of the rooms were beautiful even unfinished
Knew they would only look better when they were complete
The city was in a beautiful spot
Abigail Adams could see the potential for improvement
Once improved it would be an impressive city

5. Named Washington
George Washington had started construction of the city
He died in 1799
The nation was shocked and mourned together
Decided to rename Federal City in honor of the president

6. Chapter 7
About President Adams

7. A Portrait as a Biography
Describe Adams’ pose and attitude in this painting.
What clues tell you about this attitude?
What other objects or symbols do you see in the painting?

8. One of the most Human Presidents
What does that mean?
He had both good and bad qualities
President
Was 61 when he took office
Thomas Jefferson was his Vice President

9. Good Qualities What were some of Adams’ good qualities? Brave
Intelligent
Patriotic
Always did what he thought was right (not always what was popular)
Independent
Is that always a good thing?

10. Some Bad Qualities
What were some things about John Adams that weren’t so good?
Vain
Didn’t trust the people
What political party does that belief fall under?
Had a temper
Away from the capital a lot (385 days in four years)

11. War France and England were fighting
Some people wanted America to become allies with the French
Why?
They had been our allies in the Revolution
Other people wanted America to side with the British
They still had old ties with England from when they were colonies

12. War during Washington’s Term
The British and French were both capturing American ships
The British also kidnapped American sailors to serve in the British navy
Called impressment
Claimed that the sailors they took were actually British sailors who had jumped ship
Washington sent John Jay (Chief Justice) to England to make peace with the British
The Jay Treaty settled some small disputes with the British
But the British did not agree to stop taking American ships

13. War during Washington’s Term
Washington got rid of the alliance with France that was established in 1778
Stated that the United States would be friendly with both England and France
Called the Proclamation of Neutrality
France sent an ambassador to America
Edmond Genet
The government wasn’t very welcoming to him
So he wanted to talk directly to the people
Washington asked the French to remove him
Why wouldn’t Washington want him to talk to the people?

14. He Kept Us Out of War
Adams followed Washington’s lead and kept the United States neutral
This angered the French
Why?
The French continued stopping American ships
How would you react to this?
Even more people than before now wanted to fight for the British
Especially Alexander Hamilton
What side do you think Jefferson was on?
He lost some support from his own Federalist party

15. XYZ Affair
Adams sent a delegation of 3 people to negotiate a treaty with France
1797
John Marshall, Charles C. Pickney, Elbridge Gerry
To get the French to stop capturing American ships
French agents offered a treaty at a price
They required a bribe of $250,000 and a loan of $10 million
Paid to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
French foreign minister
They refused

16. Quasi-War What does that term mean?
Not a real war
Adams built up the navy to protect American ships from the French
They were given permission to attack French ships
There were several naval battles
But war was never officially declared
The unofficial conflict ended in 1800