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Early Republic

George Washington

George Washington set many precedents as the first president of the United States of America, including serving two terms as president and addressing the commander in chief as "Mr. President." Said to be a humble man, he handled many situations with grace in his presidency and helped to begin a new nation. To watch a video on President George Washington's precedents, click here!

The Whiskey Rebellion

In 1791, Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury put a tax on whiskey. Many whiskey distillers, especially in Pennsylvania, were unhappy with this tax and began to rebel. This was the first chance for the nation to show they had control over their people. George Washington sent in negotiators; however, negotiations failed so state militia was sent in. The rebellion was quelled. The United States proved the government of the new nation could keep order!

A Last Farewell

As George Washington left office, he was peacefully handing his power over to a new president. In Washington's Farewell Address, he warns the nations of a few things he is wary of, including political parties and foreign affairs. The Heritage Foundation has a summary of the issues Washington talked about (which you can visit here) along with the full address!

George Washington
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
John Adams

     Federalists                                              vs.                            Democratic Republicans

  • Led by Alexander Hamilton

 

  • Wanted a strong Central government 
     

  • Had a loose interpretation of the Constitution

 

  • Believed National government should take over state debts

 

  • A National Bank was necessary to collect and regulate taxes

 

  • Wanted to stay neutral from the French Revoltuion

 

  • Supported mostly by New Englanders and those living in Eastern cities

 

  • Favored the British

 

  • Led by Thomas Jefferson

 

  • Wanted a weak Central government 
     

  • Had a strict interpretation of the Constitution

 

  • Believed states should pay off their own debt

 

  • Opposed a National Bank

 

  • Supported the French Revolution

 

  • Supported mostly by Southern and frontier farmers

 

  • Favored the French

 

XYZ Affair

In John Adam's presidency, tensions between the French and Americans rose. French were taking American merchant ships, and Adams was not pleased. He sent three Americans over to discuss the issue with French Foreign Minister Talleyrand. However, when the three delegates arrived, the French delegates (named by the Americans as"X," "Y," and "Z") said they would not be allowed to talk with Talleyrand unless they paid a substantial bribe. Adams, insulted by the proposed bribe, did not enter into other negotiations. Instead, the Americans and French continued in a Quasi-war (an undeclared war) on the high seas. 

 

Below are student made videos (that's you!) from class: 

Alien Act of 1798

The Alien Act, passed by Adams, greatly impacted immigrants and the presidential power! The act stated that any immigrant who was seen as dangerous could be deported and the President had the power to do so. To read the Alien act, visit the Library or Congress Website. 

A Question the think about: Was the Alien Act Constituional?
Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson served for two terms as president (1800-1808). While he is remembered for many things, his claim to fame in his presidency was the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. However, Jefferson also had other important pieces to his presidency. For example, he ushed the Embargo Act of 1807 through, which made all exports from the US illegal. Unfortunately, this hurt Americans more than it heped. Yet, Jefferson's presidency was not greatly tarnished by the act and his purchase of the Louisiana Territory lives on. 

Lewis and Clark's Expedition
The Louisiana Purchase and Lewis & Clark

After Naploeon had acquired the Louisiana Territory secretly in 1800, Thomas Jefferson became somewhat skeptical and nervous about the port in New Orleans. He was afraid the farmers in the South would not be able to have access to the very important port. However, due to the revolution in Haiti and the wars in Europe, Napoleon gave up on his desires in North America and sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803 for only $15 million. 

Lewis and Clark were sent to explore the land that was largely unexplored territory to the European population. However, Native Americans had lived there for generations. In their journey, were Lewis and Clark respectful to these Native Americans?

War of 1812
The War of 1812

The video above is a documentary from PBS on theWar of 1812. In class, the first few minutes were watched!

Mr. Madison's War

To those who were opposed, the war was known as "Mr. Madison's War."

Don't give up the ship! Many traditions came out of the war of 1812, including the flag below. To learn more about the War of 1812, click on the PowerPoint button to the right!

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