Foreign Problems
The (French Revolution) initially had the U.S. excited and proud, but feelings changed after it became too (bloody). Unfortunately, (France) soon went to war with (Britain) and the U.S. had an alliance with (France). The U.S. was able to get out of the alliance, however, by arguing that the alliance was...
(made with a French government that had a king - not with the new French Republic.)
Despite finding this "loop hole", the U.S. was still pulled into this conflict because the U.S. (traded) with both nations. Due to this, both nations attacked the U.S. In fact, (Britain) even took U.S. sailors that used to be citizens of (Britain). John (Jay), the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, went to (Britain) and was able to (avoid) war, but due to the weak terms, this was an unpopular agreement in the U.S.
Whiskey Rebellion
Another test for the U.S. was when the (Whiskey Rebellion)occurred. It began because Alexander (Hamilton) decided to raise revenue for the gov't by taxing (whiskey). This angered some mountain men and led to a (revolt/rebellion). Quickly (Washington) led an army to put down the rebellion (making him the only active (president) to lead troops in battle). (Washington) wanted the nation to learn that the gov't (could) and (would) enforce its laws (unlike the gov't
under the (Articles of Confederation)).
Washington's Farewell
Washington ended his presidency after (two) terms and left with this closing advice.
1. Develop (close) ties with (Europe).
2. Don't get (involved) in (European Problems/Wars/Affairs).
XYZ Affair
The second President of the U.S. was (John Adams). While president the U.S. was still having issues with (Britain) and (France). To try and solve this, (Adams) sent delegates to (France). Once there the U.S. delegates were told that (France) would stop attacking the U.S. if the U.S. (paid tribute). Deeply offended the U.S. began developing an (army) and a (navy). With both parties wanting war with (France), John (Adams) did the unpopular move of making peace.
Alien and Sedition Acts
During John Adam's presidency, the Federalist gov't also passed the (Alien) and (Sedition) Acts. These acts restricted what people could say and so it violated the (Bill of Rights). Commenting on these acts, both (Jefferson) and (Madison) wrote the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. These resolutions stated that any (state) can call a (national/federal) law unconstitutional if they disagree with it. It even suggested that a (state) can (secede/leave) if necessary, although that was not encouraged. This laid the foundational defense justifying the South seceding and helped lead to the (Civil War).
Election of 1800
Due to the unpopularity of
1) not going to war with France and
2) the Alien and Sedition Acts,
Adams was not re-elected. In fact there was a tie between Thomas (Jefferson) and Aaron (Burr). (Jefferson) was chosen as President by the Federalist controlled Congress because...
(Jefferson was viewed as being less dangerous.)
Midnight Appointments
Having lost both the Executive and Legislative Branches, the Federalists decided to try and control the (Judicial) Branch before leaving office. This led to the ("Midnight Appointments") - where Adams increased the number of (judges/justices) and appointed (Federalist Judges/Justices).
Background
(Washington) was the first President of the U.S. During his Presidency, he created the (cabinet) for the Executive Branch and (Supreme Court) for the Judicial Branch. The first act of Congress was to make the (Bill of Rights).
In the cabinet there were three positions:
· (Thomas Jefferson) was the Secretary of State.
· (Alexander Hamilton) was the Secretary of the Treasurey.
· (Henry Knox) was the Secretary of War.
Alexander Hamilton
(Alexander Hamilton) was born in the (West Indes). This made him unique because he was loyal to the (United States), not to any one (state). He had three main ideas:
·Create a (national bank).
·Create a (national mint) (to make (money), instead of each state doing this).
·Encourage (manufacturing) (not (farming))
National Debt
(Hamilton) also believed that the success of this nation depended upon the U.S. (paying) back its (debts) (including the (states' debts)). This was very unpopular with the (South) because they had...
(paid back their state debt already.)
The reason that the (South) agreed to the central gov't taking on state's debts was because the (capital) was going to be moved (south).
National Bank
When it came to Hamilton's idea for a (national bank), people were divided into two groups. (Strict Constructionists) or (Loose Constructionists). The (Loose Constructionists) believed that the (Constitution) was flexible. The (Strict Constructionists) believed that the (Constitution) was rigid. Ultimately Hamilton convinced Washington that if a power is (implied) in the (Constitution) then the gov't has the permission to do that.
Political Parties
While the Founding Fathers disliked the idea of political parties, they couldn't prevent their rise. The two parties of this time were the (Federalists) and (Republicans).