The Birth of Political Parties

Washington created a strong, independent presidency rejected the argument for states’ rights Wanted a strong, national government Resisted any attempts to restrict his presidential powers By his second term most Americans saw Washington as a Federalist; no longer “above party lines” Apothesis of Washington

Conflicting Visions: Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Believed strong central government preserves national independence Envisioned U.S. as an industrial power Feared the common people; he was an elitist

Conflicting Visions: Thomas Jefferson Secretary of State under Washington Believed limited government preserves liberty Envisioned U.S. as an agrarian(farming ) nation Trusted the common people

Political Parties Develop Federalists(Hamilton) Pessimistic view of human nature Wanted a rich, well-born aristocracy to rule based on birth, wealth, and status Strong national government Loose interpretation of the Constitution Industrial, urban centered economy Government gives aid to business Pro-British Republicans (Jefferson) Optimistic view of human nature A natural aristocracy based on talent and virtue Local, states’ rights; limited central government Strict interpretation of the Constitution Farming, rural centered economy Government neither aids or regulates business; laissez-faire Pro-French

The Peril of Neutrality Franco-British War breaks out 1793 England violates American sovereignty, neutrality on high seas Jefferson: punish England by cutting off trade Hamilton: appease England because too strong French diplomat Edmond Genet challenges American neutrality repeatedly in public Washington will not give in to Genet

Jay’s Treaty Problems: British still in American west; seized slaves at end of Revolutionary War; capture of American vessels in French West Indies because would not recognize U.S. neutrality; bad commercial relations Treaty: British leave Western forts; allow SMALL ships to trade in British West Indies; Refused to pay for ships taken, recognize neutrality and did not address slaves Washington did not like treaty; barely passed the Senate Public says we sold out!

Domestic Unrest: The Whiskey Rebellion 1791-excise* tax passed on grain/distilled whiskey western Pennsylvanians loosing money because of tax and protest paying it Governor refuses to suppress men Washington accompanies 15,000 troops Arrive to find no rebels Washington blamed Republican political clubs for inciting disorder Republicans said it was just an excuse for Hamilton to create a large army to scare the Republicans; the average man *Excise-internal tax on goods manufactured, sold, or consumed within a country

Washington’s Farewell Washington not limited to two terms announces intention to retire Warns against political parties Stay Neutral!!!

Alien and Sedition Acts Federalists developed a large army in case of war with France after XYZ affair – can’t believe Republicans still support France Provisional army led by Washington and Hamilton- only loyal Federalists received commissions Main point: not to crush the French but rather the Republicans through intimidation Adams was bullied into approving the army; he established the navy in 1798 Federalists turn next to Congress

Alien and Sedition Acts, Cont. Alien Law- president could expel any foreigner simply by decree (power for 2 years) Adams never used this, but did cause many Frenchmen to flee Naturalization Law- 14 year probationary period before could apply for full citizenship Many immigrants (French and Irish) were Republicans – prevent them from voting Sedition Law- could not criticize the U.S. government; attempt to shut down the Republican press

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions Republicans see Alien and Sedition Acts as dire threat to liberty Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions--states may nullify unconstitutional federal law Madison's Virginia Resolutions--urge states to protect their citizens Purpose of resolutions: clarify differences between Republicans and Federalists

Adams Breaks Away After the French apologize for the XYZ “misunderstanding,” Adams sends men to negotiate with France Declare treaties of 1778 null and void and removed all French restrictions on trade. This change, while it infuriated Hamilton and other Federalists, it paved the way for the future Louisiana Purchase.