Challenges to the New Government

Whiskey Rebellion Tax on whiskey to pay off war debt: Hamilton's proposal Washington signed off on it The farmers who grew grain to make the whiskey were angry

Why whiskey? Farmers traded whiskey for supplies Farmers turned their grain into whiskey which was easier to transport (to take to the market to sell) more money for the whiskey than the grain Farmers traded whiskey for supplies Farmers traded the whiskey for salt, sugar, and other goods. Small distilleries couldn't afford to pay the taxes

The Rebellion In the summer of 1794, a group of farmers in Western Pennsylvania rebelled against the whiskey tax and staged the Whiskey Rebellion. One group beat up a tax collector and coated him with tar and feathers.

Why do you think tax collectors were tarred and feathered?

The Government Responds Alexander Hamilton wanted the government to look strong.. Federal troops were called in to stop the rebellion Washington proved that the government would deal with people not obeying the law. If citizens wished to change a law, they had to do so peacefully and through CONSTITUTIONAL means

Why do you think Washington chose to lead the troops himself?

Washington’s Farewell Address Before he retired, Washington gave a farewell address (speech). In it he Warned against political parties - he thought they caused arguments Urged the nation to remain neutral and not become involved in foreign alliances. Warned against a powerful military. Urged Americans to maintain and value a sense of national unity.

Political Parties Despite Washington’s warnings, political parties developed. The first two political parties were the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists wanted a strong national government. The Democratic-Republicans thought a strong national government would lead to tyranny.

Hamilton versus Jefferson Alexander Hamilton led the Federalists. Thomas Jefferson led the Democratic-Republicans. Northern merchants and manufacturers became Federalists. Southern farmers and workers became Democratic-Republicans

John Adams Becomes 2nd President After Washington retired, his Vice-President, John Adams became the second president. Thomas Jefferson came in second. He became Vice-President.

XYZ Affair The U.S. was having problems with France. They were seizing American ships so they couldn’t trade with England. Adams sent men to France to work out the problems. However, the talks would occur only if the Americans agreed to loan France $10 million and to pay the minister a bribe of $250,000. The Americans refused. The incident became known as the XYZ Affair.

Alien and Sedition Acts President Adams was criticized for the XYZ affair by Democratic-Republican newspapers. He blamed the papers and new immigrants for his problems. To silence his critics, the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed. These acts targeted aliens —immigrants who were not yet citizens.

Alien and Sedition Acts The Naturalization Act : extended the duration of residence required for aliens to become citizens, from five years to fourteen.  The Alien Friends Act: authorized the president to deport any resident alien considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States. The Alien Enemies Act   authorized the president to apprehend and deport resident aliens if their home countries were at war with the United States. The Sedition Act: made it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the government or its officials. Enacted July 14, 1798, with an expiration date of March 3, 1801.

One act increased the waiting period for becoming a U. S One act increased the waiting period for becoming a U.S. citizen from 5 to 14 years. Other acts gave the president the power to arrest disloyal aliens or order them out of the country during wartime. A fourth act outlawed sedition. Saying or writing anything false or harmful about the government became illegal. Newspaper editors were arrested. Many people thought the Alien and Sedition Acts violated the First Amendment.