1. The John Adams Presidency

2. Election of 1796 Adams, (Federalist) wins P.O.T.U.S.
Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) wins Vice.
The results reflected willingness to bring opposing views together…
...it instead further divided the parties and nearly brought the U.S.A. back to war.
Adams would not be re-elected.

3. Adams as president
Was somewhat, caught in the middle of a political struggle.
Disagreed with Jefferson, but also was undermined by his cabinet’s influence from Hamilton.
Adams lacked the personality to handle the drama gracefully.

4. “Foreign Entanglements”
The French Revolution gave way to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, a popular “dictator” in France.
The French navy began seizing U.S. ships as part of their plan to dominate the seas and limit British influence.
This prompted Adams to intervene

5. The “XYZ Affair” Adams sent American diplomats to meet with France.
3 French agents, known only as “X, Y & Z” demanded a bribe in order to negotiate a settlement.
Adams took this as a major insult, went public with the “XYZ Affair” and approved an Embargo and naval build up to protect U.S.A. against French attacks. Adams popularity improved with these aggressive moves.
This “Quasi War” with France lasted for the next 2 years.

6. Adams goes too far
Adams, with a Federalist controlled Congress, passes the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Both laws were attempts by the government, (controlled by Federalists) to combat any dissent citizens may have had about the U.S.A.’s current status against France.
Both laws were seen as aggressive violations of the 1st amendment.
Both laws were seen as pro-Britain, and anti-France.
Both laws were seen as ways to target immigrants who may have been less likely to agree with Federalists.

7. The Democratic-Republican response
Jefferson and Madison worked to get states to pass ”resolutions” that would undermine the Alien and Sedition Acts.
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolves were public proclamations that the Federal government does not have the power to limit individual freedoms.
Virginia even went as far as to say they could “nullify” and act passed by Congress if the Constitution did not explicitly allow it.
How do the 2 political parties look now? Would anyone feel threated by Federal Power? If so, who?

8. Adams’ demise, Jefferson’s rise, and the election of 1800:
Jefferson defeats Adams, first peaceful transition of power from 1 party to another.
Federalists were divided, lacked solid support for Adams.
Democratic Republicans were more united behind Jefferson.
Only about 550,000 of 5.3 million people living in the U.S.A. were eligible to vote.

9. Thomas Jefferson’s 1st inaugural address, March 1801:
“We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists…”