The Federalist Era – 1789 -1817

Washington’s “Life Mask” Washington’s “Death Mask”

George Washington and his first cabinet George Washington and his first cabinet. Washington's Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, and his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, were in controversy over fiscal policy early in Washington's administration. L to R Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; seated Henry Knox, Secretary of War; Edmund Randolph, Attorney General & Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.

Alexander Hamilton 1755-1804 “A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.” Alexander Hamilton

Thomas Jefferson 1743-1826 “Paper is poverty,... it is only the ghost of " money, and not money itself." --Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1788. ME 7:36

I. Hamiltonians vs. Jeffersonians A. Hamilton's views--Man is irrational, corrupt, and guided by base instincts. 1) Sovereignty must rest with a strong central government insensitive to the popular will 2) Government's function is maintain order in a potentially chaotic society. It needs to be remote and secure from the people's emotional uprisings. B. Jefferson's views--man is rational, capable of self-improvement. 1) Government exists to protect man's natural rights to life, liberty, and happiness. 2) The greatest threat to man's freedom is tyrannical government. It needs to be limited in its powers and completely responsive to the needs and desires of the people. 3) State governments should have greater power because they are less likely to be despotic.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794) How did it end differently than Shays’ rebellion? Part of Hamilton’s plan was a Tax on Whiskey. 2000 armed men rose up to protest the excise tax that was part of Hamilton’s plan. Washington and 13,000 troops responded.

II. Hamilton's Financial Plan A. Protective tariff to stimulate industry B. Willingness to assume debts of states C. Willingness to assume Confederation's debts D. Establishment of a national bank – Bank of the United States Purposes: 1) Repository of national assets 2) Issue paper money based on assets 3) Source of investment capital E. Whiskey Excise Tax--burden fell on western farmers 1) Whiskey Rebellion (1794)--2000 armed men 2) Washington leads militia to put down revolt

III. Jeffersonian Opposition to Hamilton's Plans A. Strict constructionist view--creation of U.S. Bank exceeded Congressional authority B. 10th Amendment forbids the national government exercising powers not delegated to it. C. Commercial and manufacturing interests favored over farming interests.

The Compromise – the “Plan” for the nation’s new Capitol City

1789-1815 And the Age of Napoleon

What did the U.S. think of the French Revolution? Federalists Feared “’mobocracy’” saw the violence and destruction of property as something alien to the American Revolution Jeffersonians Feared “monarchists” saw the French Revolution as a compliment to the American Revolution “tyranny is tyranny”

The Continental Wars & The Napoleonic Wars

Who should we support? The British? Why? - The French? Why? Federalists Britain Why? TRADE, a more stable nation: more “like us”… to improve post-war relations Jeffersonians France Why? We inspired their Revolution: “like minded”… to defeat the monarchs of Europe

France The U.S. had a treaty with France. (1778) When the French revolution became radical, there was a debate over whether we should still support France. Washington declared American Neutrality.

The Proclamation of Neutrality 1793 A Proclamation Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerant Powers; G. Washington - April, 1793

Citizen Genet Edmond-Charles Genêt

Neutrality – Rule of 1756 Contraband Impressment Enforced that the U.S. not trade with France, like in 1756 Contraband List of goods that the British forbade the U.S. to trade Impressment “kidnapped” American Sailors Claiming they were AWOL British sailors

The impressment of American seamen.

Securing Our Borders France gets Mad!!! The Jay Treaty Pinckney Treaty Settled claims with British in the west Pinckney Treaty Spain gave us lands in Florida free navigation of the Mississippi river. France gets Mad!!!

Jay's Treaty The Treaty eliminated British control of western posts within two years, established America's claim for damages from British ship seizures, and provided America a limited right to trade in the West Indies.

Pinckney’s Treaty The U.S. was granted free navigation of the Mississippi River from Spain. Three year access to the port of New Orleans. U.S. and Spanish border set at 31st parallel.

Washington’s Farewell “In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations--Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western -- whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is real difference of local interests and views.” “Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other.”

The John Adams Administration 1797-1801

Problems with France American commercial ships harrassed and goods confiscated (sound familiar?) Impressment of sailors (sound familiar?) – some hanged…So, We decide to negotiate with France and send a delegation French Gov’t refused to receive our representatives Which led to…

“The XYZ Affair” The XYZ Affair cartoon depicts the United States as a maiden being victimized by the French Directorate while Britain sits aloof on a hill and European leaders discuss America’s plight.

President Adams XYZ Adams tried to avoid war in France. He sent delegates to Meet with a French official named Talleyrand. Three French officials demanded a bribe of $250,000 before they would talk. Called the affair XYZ video

Millions for defense, but not one cent Tribute!

What were they? Who created them? How were they used? Sectionalism – Of what did Washington warn us? The Alien and Sedition Acts What were they? Who created them? How were they used? video

Alien Act and Sedition Act Madison & Jefferson

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Who wrote them? What did they say? Compact theory Nullification

AURORA August 22, 1797 The newspaper that inspired the Sedition Act of 1798 It is ironic that this issue advertises an elixir for yellow fever, as Bache will die from that cause in September 1798. On page two, Bache challenges John Fenno, editor of the Gazette of the United States, a Federalist paper, to reply to questions whether President Adams, through his Secretary of State Timothy Pickering, was in collusion with the British Minister Liston, in plotting an invasion of Spanish Florida

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE April 29 - May 2, 1799 The Republican Newspaper of Boston Thomas Adams, editor, died pending trial. His brother, Abijah, the bookkeeper, was then tried and jailed for Sedition.

The Alien & Sedition Act Trials 1800 PUBLICATION OF THE SEDITION ACT  

Credit: Courtesy of the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia While Thomas Mifflin served as governor of Pennsylvania (1790-1799), politics on the state and national level achieved an unprecedented level of division and meanness. On February 15, 1798 the animosities exploded into violence when Republican Congressman Matthew Lyon, "The Lion of Vermont" attacked Federalist Roger Griswold of Connecticut on the floor of Congress. Later that year Federalists would use the newly passed Sedition Act, which outlawed speaking or writing anything "false, scandalous or malicious" against the government to indict and jail Lyon on charges of sedition. As governor, Mifflin maintained an independence that served him and Pennsylvania well during this dangerous decade

Virginia and Kentucky Resolves RESOLVED, That the General Assembly of Virginia, doth unequivocably express a firm resolution to maintain and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, against every aggression either foreign or domestic, and that they will support the government of the United States in all measures warranted by the former. ….That the General Assembly doth also express its deep regret, that a spirit has in sundry instances, been manifested by the federal government, to enlarge its powers by forced constructions of the constitutional charter which defines them; …and inevitable consequence of which would be, to transform the present republican system of the United States, into an absolute, or at best a mixed monarchy. …That the General Assembly doth particularly protest against the palpable and alarming infractions of the Constitution, in the two late cases of the "Alien and Sedition Acts" passed at the last session of Congress;

…like dispositions of the other states,in confidence that they will concur with this commonwealth in declaring, as it does hereby declare, that the acts aforesaid, are unconstitutional; and that the necessary and proper measures will be taken by each, for co-operating with this state, in maintaining the Authorities, Rights, and Liberties, referred to the States respectively, or to the people.

Political Ad – “If the Election of 1800 were held today” Anti ads from both sides Political Ad – “If the Election of 1800 were held today”

Election of 1800

The 12th Amendment (1803-1804) The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate;--

Judiciary Act of 1801

Jefferson- Reduced Size and Control of the Federal Government “Revolution of 1800” Jefferson- Reduced Size and Control of the Federal Government Reduced the Federal Budget and Debt Repealed the Whiskey Tax Cut Military Spending by One-Half Kept Hamilton’s Financial Plan Neutrality between Britain and France maintained

The Judiciary Acts -1789 & 1801(the “Midnight Judges”

Marbury v Madison William Marbury James Madison Secretary of State

> Created “Judicial Review” – the right of the courts to “review” acts of the President and Congress.

What to do about France? Spain coerced by Napoleon to sign a treaty with France – giving France control of the Louisiana Territory France/Napoleon hope to create a “New France” Empire in the Americas – this could end the U.S.’s access to the Mississippi and New Orleans Toussiant L’Ouverture overthrew the French in Haiti BLOCKING this from happening (Haiti would act as a launch for a new French Empire

France cont’d Jefferson sends delegates to negotiate a purchase of New Orleans – for up to $10 Million. Due to war with Great Britain, French Foreign Minister Talleyrand offers ALL of Louisiana for $15 BEFORE we make an offer, France is desperate for $. U.S. nearly DOUBLES in size Is this CONSTITUTIONAL?

The U.S. in 1803 - After The Louisiana Purchase

Slave Law 1807 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, it shall not be lawful to import or bring into the United States or the territories thereof from any foreign kingdom, place, or country, any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, with intent to hold, sell, or dispose of such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, as a slave, or to be held to service or labour.

From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine.

Essex Decision Orders-In-Council ruled that “Broken Voyages” were illegal. ALL ships going anywhere in Europe MUST stop first in British ports (Gr. Britain).

Continental System – France “shuts down” all European ports Americans continue smuggling goods into Europe disregarding the above

USS Chesapeake Vs HMS Leopard

Embargo Act of 1807 – NO TRADE

Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 NO TRADE WITH EITHER BRITAIN OR FRANCE An Act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France, and their dependencies; and for other purposes. Be it enacted . . ., That from and after the passing of this act, the entrance of the harbors and waters of the United States and of the territories thereof, be, and the same is hereby interdicted to all public ships and vessels belonging to Great Britain or France, excepting vessels only which may be forced in by distress,

Macon’s Bill No. 2 That in case either Great Britain or France shall, before the third day of March next, so revoke or modify her edicts as that they shall cease to violate the neutral commerce of the United States, which fact the President of the United States shall declare by proclamation, and if the other nation shall not within three months thereafter so revoke or modify her edicts in like manner, then the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eighteenth sections of the act, entitled "An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes”

The Hartford Convention  "New England Considers Secession"  December 15, 1814- January 5, 1815 The delegates drafted proposals for constitutional amendments that would challenge what they saw as President James Madison's military despotism and force him to resign. Political cartoons of the day depicted England's King George III trying to lure Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island back into the British fold.