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A Time for Dilemma: John Adams and the French Problem President John Adams The XYZ Affair The Alien and Sedition Acts
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The Election of 1796 Hamilton was the first Federalists choice for president but he was considered to controversial to run Adams (Federalist) is chosen and is elected president in 1796 President Adams will be asked by both France and Britain to join their side against the other
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The XYZ Affair The French are angered by Jay’s Treaty and begin attacking American ships Adams send agents to to enter in a treaty with the French as well
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The XYZ Affair French agents demand a bride before they talk to the American agents about a treaty Adams embarrasses the Republicans by announcing to the nation how the French behaved The nation prepares for a possible war
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His Presidency Adams was strong willed and disliked the Jeffersonian Republicans Adams’ personality makes it hard for him to unify the Federalists He’s perceived as weak when threatened by France with war and does not act on their threat
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Trouble on The High Seas
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The Alien and Sedition Acts Federalists fear that Republicans and the French will become allies French and British refugees are coming to the United States to escape the war The Federalists will pass several laws to keep the Republicans for complaining against how the Federalist are running things
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The Alien and Sedition Acts June 18, 1798 The Naturalization Act requires a longer amount of residence to become a citizen June 25, 1798 Alien Act gave the president the power to expel foreigners (used against the French) July 14, 1798 Sedition Act made it a crime to publish criticisms of the government
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Politicians can be vindictive The Federalists (Adam’s party) attempted to silence criticism from the Republican party by enforcing the Sedition Act Ben Franklin’s son is actually arrested for violating the Act
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The Kentucky and Virginia Resolves,1798 Jefferson and Madison believe that the Sedition Act violates the 1 st Amendment They argue that states can nullify a federal law if the state believes it to be unconstitutional The Resolves were a ploy to jumpstart Jefferson’s bid for president in the next election
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