1. Launching the New Nation
CHAPTER 6
Launching the New Nation

2. Section 1 – Washington Heads the New Government
CHAPTER 6
Section 1 – Washington Heads the
New Government

3. Washington at the Helm
George Washington, commanding general of Continental Army during Revolution, unanimous choice to be the first president
Constitution provided strong foundation, but lacked details
Washington and his admin. would have to figure out a lot on their own
Needed to figure how to…
1. Raise $ and manage economy
2. Provide for defense
3. Set up a court system
Set many important precedents

4. Washington’s Cabinet Alexander Hamilton
In 1789 Congress created the first four executive departments
The heads of each of these departments made up the first cabinet – a group of advisors to the president
Secretary of State
Thomas Jefferson
Secretary of Treasury
Alexander Hamilton
Secretary of War
Henry Knox
Attorney General
Edmund Randolph
Alexander Hamilton

6. 1st Chief Justice of Supreme Court
Creating the Courts
Constitution said little about the structure of the judicial branch
Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 to establish structure of the courts
Established three levels of the Federal Judiciary
- Supreme Court
- Federal Courts of Appeals
- Federal District Court
Supreme Court included 6 justices including a Chief Justice (today it is 9 justices)
West v. Barnes
President Chart
John Jay
1st Chief Justice of Supreme Court

7. Hamilton’s Economic Plan
U.S. incurred millions of $ of debt from Revolution – some to other countries, some to U.S. citizens (bonds)
Hamilton’s Plan Calls For...
1. Fed. government to assume individual state debts
2. Bonds to be repaid in full by National government
3. National Bank
Many in South opposed plan – felt it favored the North
Northern and southern states strike a deal – Hamilton’s plan passes and capital moves to Washington D.C.

8. Hamilton’s Economic Plan
Debate over Hamilton’s plan led to rift in Washington’s cabinet, formation of first political parties
Hamilton and supporters of plan become Federalists, Jefferson and opponents of plan become Democratic- Republicans
Biggest divide over National Bank proposal
Federalists believe Elastic Clause (Art. I Sec. 8) gives Congress power to create bank – “loose” interpretation of Constitution
Dem-Rep oppose bank, believe in “strict” interpretation

9. The Whiskey Rebellion
In 1791 Hamilton’s proposed tax on the manufacture of American whiskey passed in Congress
Western farmers were outraged by the tax, and in 1794 the Whiskey Rebellion took place in western Pennsylvania
Washington sent in 13,000 troops to stop the rebellion
Demonstrates the ability of the new government to enforce federal law

10. Democratic Republicans Federalists
Believed in strong central government
Economy based on business/industry
Loose interpretation of Constitution
Led by Hamilton, John Adams
Most from Northeast
Bankers, artisans, merchants
Supported English
Believed in states’ rights
Economy based on farming – agrarianism
Strict interpretation of Constitution
Led by Jefferson, Madison
Most from South and West
Farmers
Support French

11. Hamiltonian vs. Jeffersonian
Manufacturing Nation
Trinity Church
New York, NY
Citizen Farmer
Monticello Charlottesville, VA

12. Washington’s Foreign Policy
French Revolution begins in
Radicals gain control, Britain and France go to war again in
Washington issues proclamation of neutrality
Presidents Chart

13. Jay’s Treaty
Britain began seizing American ships, inciting Native Americans
Washington sends John Jay to Britain in attempt to avoid war
GB removed troops in NW Terr., settled border disputes – no discussion of impressment or innocent bystanders during war
Republicans unhappy with treaty, but Washington ratifies – prevents war with GB

14. Conflict with Native Americans
Indian Confederacy forms in Northwest Territory led by Chief Little Turtle
Washington sends Gen. “Mad Anthony” Wayne to put down resistance
Wayne defeats Native Americans at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in southern Ohio
Ended resistance in Northwest Territory
Presidents Chart

15. Election of 1796
After 2 terms, Washington decides step down and retire
In his famous Farewell Address to the American people, he warns against sectionalism, political parties, and foreign alliances
Presidents Chart