1. Topic: Evaluating the Adams Presidency (1797-1801)

2. John Adams as President
Adams vs Jefferson
“mud-slinging” election
Adams wins by narrow margin
Adams stubborn, old fashioned, but “independent”
Revolutionary credentials
Problems:
Opposition of Dem-Reps
Hamilton hates Adams too (“High Federalists”)
French anger at Jay’s Treaty (pro-British)  French attack American ships

3. “Quasi-Naval War” With France
Federalists want war
Adams sends an envoy to France
XYZ Affair
“millions for defense, but not one cent in tribute”
American naval build-up
Undeclared war ( )
France can’t fight another enemy…
Adams tries for peace again
Convention of 1800
Adams now unpopular with Federalists

4. “Wartime” Hysteria (1798-1800)
anti-French sentiment
Federalists benefit
Afraid of Democratic-Republican opposition
Alien Acts
Changing citizenship requirements
Anti-Foreigner
Sedition Acts
Restrict press and speech
Illegal to criticize the government

5. Jeffersonians React Sedition acts trying to stop Dem-Rep
End of an opposition party?
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Alien and Sedition against the constitution
States did not have to obey unconstitutional laws
Nullification
Election of 1800:
Jefferson vs. Adams (Again!)
Who wins…?

6. Conclusion
In your opinion, was Adam’s Presidency a failure? What role did “partisan politics” play in the Adam’s Administration’s problems? Explain in 3-4 sentences