1. April 19, 2016
Goal: Analyze the successes and failures of John Adams as president QOD: What was John’s relationship with his wife? Agenda: Abigail Quotes John Adams HBO Chapter 6 (His presidency) Homework: The Alien and Sedition Acts

2. Abigail Adams
Considered sharper than a woman ought to be; read more than a woman was supposed to, and spoke out even when the custom of her time and gender called for silence. In a famous March 1776 letter, she beseeched her husband to “Remember the Ladies” when making laws for the “New Republic.” “Do not put unlimited power in the hands of the husbands” she wrote, “remember all men would be tyrants if the could.”

3. Their marriage
John and Abigail frequently wrote letters to each other, because they were often apart. In these letters they would share current events.
With the person next to you, come up with 4 events today they may have discussed.

4. In the words of Abigail Adams
Each team will look at the packets and discuss and write down the following (one paper per team, so choose a reporter)
How did she feel about slavery?
Role of women?
Education and children?
The cause of liberty (freedom)?

5. The Presidency of John Adams
The XYZ Affair Hurts John Adams’ Presidency

6. John Adams, 2nd President of the United States
Troubles With France
The French are upset over Jay’s Treaty (the agreement in 1794 between England and the U.S.  which limited trade relations between US and France) and continue to attack American ships
Adams tries to solve the problem by sending three diplomats to negotiate with France’s new government
John Adams, 2nd President of the United States

7. The XYZ Affair
When the American diplomats arrived in France, 3 French agents demanded a bribe from the Americans just to meet with them
The event became a sensation to the American public
The French agents were kept secret and were referred to as Agents X, Y, and Z, hence XYZ Affair

8. Napoleon Bonaparte, France’s New Dictator
War Fever!
Many Americans demanded war on France after being embarrassed
Adams kept his cool and settled the problem through further negotiations with France’s new dictator: Napoleon Bonaparte
However, his own political party, the Federalists, were furious with him
Napoleon Bonaparte, France’s New Dictator

9. Alien and Sedition Acts
War fever made federalists and John Adams fear a revolution in the U.S, this led to a mistrust of immigrants
Federalists and Adams also sought to destroy their Republican opponents
Federalists in Congress, along with the support of John Adams, passed the Alien and Sedition Acts:
Alien Act - An immigrant had to live in U.S for 14 years to become a citizen (was previously 5)
Sedition Act - It became a crime to write anything insulting or false about the government

10. Republicans React
Republicans (led by Jefferson) encouraged state legislatures to nullify (these acts) the Alien and Sedition Acts
Two states did: Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
These two resolutions had the long term effect of promoting states’ rights and allowing states to challenge the federal government (a major cause of the Civil War)

11. Movie: Chapter 6
John Adams presidency