1. THE PRESIDENCY OF JOHN ADAMS

2. Adams was in the shadow of Washington and Jefferson
Patriot and Diplomat
Revolutionary War Hero
Writer of the Declaration of Independence

3. Conflict with France The French objected to Jay’s Treaty
1797, the French started seizing American ships
Patriots called for War
Adams sent diplomats to France to resolve the conflict

4. XYZ Affair
France’s foreign minister, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand sent 3 secret agents to seek a bribe from the American diplomats
Talleyrand wanted $250,000 for himself and a $10 million loan for France
“Not a sixpence!” replied one of the Americans

5. XYZ Affair Americans were outraged
Adams told Congress about the French seeking bribes, calling the 3 French agents. . . X,Y, and Z
A New slogan in America was, “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute!”

6. Write 3 things you observe about the XYZ Affair from this picture below the slide

7. Write 3 things you observe about the XYZ Affair from this picture below the slide

8. Adams Avoids War Adams refused to go to war
He strengthened the navy by building Frigates, or fast sailing ships with many guns

10. Adams Avoids War France decides to stop attacking American ships
France promises to treat American diplomats in France with respect

11. Federalist Party Splits
Hamilton criticized Adams for not going to war
Hamilton hoped a war would weaken Republican support
Hamilton hoped a war would build the military, which would increase federal power and weaken state power
Adams wouldn’t give in to Hamilton

12. Federalist Party Splits
High Federalists
Followed Hamilton
Pushed for War with France
Federalists
Followed Adams
Adams got Napoleon Bonaparte to agree to stop attacking American ships
War was avoided

13. Alien and Sedition Acts
Alien Act
Allowed the president to throw any foreigner out of the country
Immigrants had to wait 14 years to become citizens
Purpose of the law was to keep settlers, who often supported Republicans, from voting

14. Alien and Sedition Acts
Citizens could be fined or jailed if they criticized the president of the United States
Republicans argued the Sedition Act violated freedom of speech rights protected under the Constitution
The Sedition Act was an embarrassment to John Adams’ presidency

15. The Rights of States
Jefferson urged states to nullify, or cancel, laws the federal government passed
In this way states could resist the power of the federal government

16. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Claimed that each state had “equal right to judge for itself” whether a law is unconstitutional
States have the power to nullify federal law

17. Election of 1800 Democratic Republican vs. Federalists
Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams

18. Election of 1800 Jefferson and Adams tied with 73 electoral votes
However, at the time the electoral voters did not vote separately for president and vice-president

19. Election of 1800
The House of Representatives voted and Jefferson and Aaron Burr were tied for the most votes
After 4 days the tie was finally broken and Jefferson won, making Burr the vice-president

20. 12th Amendment
Required electors to vote separately for the president and vice-president

21. Transfer of Power
Power was peacefully transferred from one political power, the Federalists, to another, the Republicans
Outside of the United States, a change of power usually involves violence and war
This shows in a democracy power rests in the hands of the people and not rulers or dictators.

22. Duel between Hamilton and Burr