Chapter 10 Notes
Chapter 10 Notes: Launching the New Ship of State 1789 - 1800 Introdu Int roductio ction n: The new country faced “teething troubles” Finances and national debt Many Americans regarded the central government as a necessary evil •
Growing Pains America was growing at an amazing rate Population Population was shooting up (doubling every 25 years) Cities were beginning to flourish, but the country was 90% rural Problems Foreigners Foreigners looked down on the rough American people Spanish and British-owned/occupied lands were an issue for new settlers •
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Washington Washin gton for President Presi dent Unanimously drafted as president by the Electoral College (only presidential nominee ever) Esteemed war hero, imposing presence Only president who did not angle in some way for the office Triu Triumph mphal al proce processi ssion on leadin leading g from from Mount Mount Vernon ernon to New York City City (temporary capital) Set precedent through formation of a cabinet Constitution only says that the president may require written opinions of heads of the executive branches At first first only only 3 depa depart rtme ment nt head heads: s: Jeff Jeffers erson on (Sec (Secre reta tary ry of Stat State) e),, Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury), Treasury), & Henry Knox (Secretary of War) •
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The Bill of Rights Many Many stat state es had had rati ratiffied the the feder ederal al Const nstitut itutiion based ased on the the understanding that it would be amended to include individual rights Madison drafted the first 10 amendments (the Bill of Rights) Include freedom of religion, speech, and press Right to bear arms and be tried by jury are also included Ninth Amendment – rights not stated are not denied Tenth Amendment – all rights not specifically given by the Constitution are reserved to the states or to the people •
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Hamilton Revives the Corpse of Public Credit Set Set out out to corr correc ectt the the econ econom omic ic trou troubl bles es that that plag plagued ued the the Arti Articl cles es of Confederation Plan was to shape the economic and financial policies in a way that favored the the weal wealth thy y (who (who woul would, d, in turn turn,, give give the the gove govern rnme ment nt mone moneta tary ry and and political support) •
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Chapter 10 Notes
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First objective was to bolster national credit to ensure public confidence in the government Urged Congress to “fund” the entire national debt and assume debts resulting from the American Revolution Federal government paid off its debts at face value and accumulated interest Gove Goverrnmen nmentt bond bonds s fell to 10-1 10-15 5 cent ents on the the dolla ollarr: great eat for for speculators Encouraged Congress to assume state debts Said state debts could be regarded as national obligation because they had been incurred during the nation’s wa r for independence States States burden burdened ed with with heavy heavy debts debts (Massac (Massachus husett etts) s) were were deligh delighted ted by Hamilton’s proposal States with small debts (Virginia) were not as happy Comp Compro romi mise se – Dist Distri rict ct of Colu Columb mbia ia (cap (capit ital al)) to be loca locate ted d on the the Potomac River
Custom Duties & Excise Taxes National debt had risen to $75 million Where was the money to come from? Custom duties – tariff First tariff law (low 8%) was speedily passed even before Hamilton was sworn in Also designed to protect infant industries and well-to-do manufacturing groups Cong Congre ress ss stil stilll domi domina nate ted d by agri agricu cult ltura urall inte intere rests sts – only only 2 slig slight ht increases in tariff Excise tax passed through Congress On a few domestic items, notably n otably whiskey Whiskey flowed freely on the frontier – was used for money • • •
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Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank Hamilton proposed a national bank as the capstone for his financial system Federal Federal funds would stimulate business by remaining in circulation Would print urgently needed money and provide a national currency Jefferson said it was unconstitutional No specific authorization in the Constitution – all powers not specifically granted are reserved for states: strict interpretation Hamilton cited the “necessary and proper clause” – loose interpretation Regional difference North – commercial and financial centers – favored the national bank South – agriculture and farming – against the national bank Hamilton wins – bank created in 1791 •
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Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania Whiskey Rebellion in 1749 in W. Pennsylvania Whis Whiske key y was was an econ econom omic ic nece necessi ssity ty for for the the rebe rebels ls so the the exci excise se tax tax affected them greatly • •
Chapter 10 Notes
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Washington Washington called forth a militia and led them Washington Washington commanded more respect Some condemned the brutal display of power
The Emergence of Political Political Parties Hamilton’s plans encroached on states’ rights – some fearful of federal government Organized opposition began to build Political Political rivalry between Hamilton & Jefferson didn’t help Used newspapers to attack and convey messages mess ages Party out of power plays a crucial role – ensure that politics never drifts too far away from the wishes of the people •
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The Impact of the French Revolution Early stages of the French Revolution People People generally generally supportive supportive of libertyliberty-seeki seeking ng French rench (continuati (continuation on of their revolution) Only a few federalists were cautious 1792 – France declared war on Austria, proclaimed itself a republic Americans very supportive 1793 – Reign of Terror begins – King is beheaded All Federalists now fearful of French French violence Some Some Jeffer Jefferson sonian ians s regre regrette tted d the violen violence, ce, but most most believ believed ed it was necessary •
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Washington’s Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation Old treaty with France France from times of the old king Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans Democratic-Republicans favored honoring the alliance Hamilt Hamiltoni onian an Federal ederalist ists s though thoughtt that that the treaty treaty was old (old (old ruler) ruler) – believed that the alliance should not be honored Washington Washington didn’t enter war because he wanted peace at all costs Precedent – strategy of delay to avoid war Jeffersonians enraged, Federalists heartened Genêt Affair – comes for financial aid, starts trying to recruit, thrown out of the U.S. •
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Embroilments with Britain British tried the American position of neu trality Attack American ships and force sailors to serve Trade Trade weapons to Indians who, in turn, tu rn, fight Americans Outcry from the Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans Democratic-Republicans Hamiltonians warn against fast action – trade with Britain crucial for his economic plans •
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Jay’s Treaty British promise to evacuate a chain of posts on U.S. soil Had already promised that before, but failed to evacuate •
Chapter 10 Notes
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British to pay damages for seizures of U.S. ships owned by commercial traders Nothing of future treaties or trade with Native Americans U.S. to pay debts to British merchants from before the revolution Democratic-Republicans hate Jay’s treaty: S. have to pay more debts, N. traders paid back for seized ships. Also, they saw the treaty as a surrender to Britain Positive result – opened up NW part of country for expansion Led to Pinckney’s treaty (with Spain) – allows trade on Mississippi R. – encourages people to move west for trade Treaty of Greenville (unrelated) – Native Americans give up some Western land in return for money and promise of rights and annual payment
Washington’s Farewell Address Advised the avoidance of permanent alliances (such as treaty with France) – favored temporary alliances for emergency purposes Good advice for a weak & divided nation – what about when it grows stronger? •
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John Adams Becomes President Candidates Federalists - Adams Wanted Hamilton (most well-known) but his financial policies were very unpopular Picked Picked John Adams – experienced but ungracious Democratic Republicans – Jefferson Political Political passions Earl Earlie ier, r, Washi ashing ngto ton’s n’s pres presen ence ce had had supp suppre resse ssed d thes these e passi passion onat ate e displays Mudslinging – Federalists insult Jeffersonians (Democratic-Republicans) (Democratic-Republicans) Jeffersonians attack forceful crush of Whiskey Rebellion Rebellion & Jay’s Treaty Treaty Adams wins Wins by very narrow margin (71 to 68 electoral votes) Jefferson became the vice-president Short, bald, man of stern disciplines – no appeal to the masses (most people) Tactless and intelligent aristocrat Handicaps that Adams faced Not popular with the masses Could not hope to fill Washington’s shoes after he had just stepped down Hamilton Hamilton (in charge of “High “High Federalist ederalist” ” faction faction of Federalists ederalists)) hated Adams Conspired with members of the Cabinet against the president Adams thought Hamilton was ruthless, impatient, and u nprincipled Inherited an argument with France •
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Chapter 10 Notes Unofficial Fighting with France French upset by Jay’s treaty – considered it an alliance with Britain and violation of the Franco-American Franco-American treaty French warships began to seize American merchant ships Adams tried to reach an agreement with France – sent three men as a diplomatic commission including John Marshall (future chief justice) The XYZ Affair Envoys were met by 3 go-betweens (called X, Y, & Z) Demanded huge loan and bribe just to talk to Talleyrand Too much much mone money y ($25 ($250 0,000 ,000 bribe ribe)) just ust to tal talk (no (no promi omise of negotiation) Returned to America – Marshall hailed as a hero War preparations began – Federalists happy, Jeffersonians ashamed of the French Navy Department and US Marine Corps established & navy expanded New army authorized Fighting began in the sea and the W. Indies •
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Adams Puts Patriotism Above Party France didn’t want a war with the US – already fighting in Europe Eu rope Tall Talleyr eyrand and made made it be known known that that a new Americ American an minist minister er would would be received with respect If Adams went to war, the Federalists would become even more popular and he would probably be elected for a second term Instead, he realized that war wasn’t what the country needed Sent another minister to France France Public opinion favorable to one more shot at peace Napoleon took control of France – eager to make peace with America The Convention of 1800 France agreed to end treaty US agreed to pay damage claims of American ships Adams credited with peace Also ensured Louisiana Purchase (if he had gone to war with France, Napoleon wouldn’t have sold Louisiana) • •
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The Federalist Witch Hunt Federalists Federalists capitalized on anti-French anti-French sentiment to take over Congress Used Used laws laws to mini minimi mize ze impa impact ct of Jeff Jeffer erso soni nian ans s in Cong Congre ress ss (and (and government) First law directed against European immigrants Immigrants usually more accepted by Jeffersonians Federalists raised residence requirements for aliens to become citizens from 5 to 14 years Gave President power to deport dangerous foreigners during peace and imprison/deport during war Not used, but was a grant of power against the spirit of the Constitution •
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Chapter 10 Notes
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“Lockjaw” “Lockjaw” Sedition Act – anyone impeding the policies of gov’t or falsely defaming gov’t officials subject to heavy fine & prison Included verbal violence – against freedom of speech and freedom of press Many Jeffersonian writers indicted indicted & convicted convicted (sometimes because of prejudiced Federalist judges) Supreme Court was comprised of Federalists – weren’t going to make law unconstitutional
The Virginia (Madison) and Kentucky Kentucky (Jefferson) Resolutions Resolutions Jef Jeffe fers rson on was was very very fear fearfu full of the the risi rising ng powe powerr of fede federa rali list sts s and and of prosecution for sedition Drafted a series of resolutions for the Kentucky government in 1798 & 1799 and they approved them Madison drafted a similar, less extreme statement that the Virginia gov’t accepted (1798) Stressed Stressed the compact compact theory theory – mean meantt that that 13 sove sovere reig ign n stat states es had had entered a “compact” (contract) by creating a federal gov’t Individual states the judges of the federal gov’t: “water can rise no higher than its source” The The reso resolu luti tion ons s stat stated ed that that the the fede federa rall gov’ gov’tt had had excee xceede ded d its its constitutional powers (with the Alien and Sedition Acts) Nullification – a refusal to accept something (in this case, the Alien & Sedition Acts) Popular among English political philosophers in the 17 th and 18th century No other state legislatures published resolutions like those of Virginia and Kentucky Some refused to endorse them; some so me Federalist Federalist states condemned them Many Many Federa ederali list st state states s argu argued ed that that peop people le,, not not stat states es made made the the compac compact, t, so only only the Suprem Supreme e Court Court could could nullif nullify y unconst unconstitu itutio tional nal legislation passed by Congress Represented Represented extreme states’ rights views Later used by southerners to support nullification and succession Jefferson & Madison weren’t trying to break up the Union – they were trying to preserve it Trying to crystallize opposition to the Federalist party to prevent them from from taking taking over over the presi presiden dent’s t’s role role again again in the 1800 1800 presi presiden dentia tiall election •
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Federalists Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans Democratic-Republicans Differences between the parties was more pronounced as the presidential elections of 1800 approached Federalists Most federalists of the pre-Constitution period became Federalists under Hamilton Intelligent, arrogant, wealthy Dist Distru rust st full full-b -blo lown wn demo democr crac acy y – unin uninte tell llig igen entt comm common on folk folk are are “swayable” •
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Chapter 10 Notes Strong Strong,, central central govern governmen mentt with with enough enough power power to crush crush democr democrati atic c exce excesse sses s (Sha (Shay’ y’s s Rebel ebelli lion on), ), prot protec ectt live lives s & prop proper erty ty of weal wealth thy, y, promote trade, and subordinate states Government should support private enterprise but not interfere in it Similar attitude as merchants, manufacturers, and shippers living more on the coast Sought a strong national state to assert & expand America’s commercial interests Especially trade with Britain Democratic-Republicans Live more inland, previously called anti-Federalists Jefferson – lanky, relaxed, not aggressive, weak-voiced, not a passionate speaker Ability to lead rather than drive people Strong appeal to middle class and underprivileged (farmers, laborers, artisans, etc) Was a Virginia aristocrat and slave-owner (perfect for Federalist) Abused by newspapers Weak central regime (government) – best to govern least Bulk of the power should be with the states – with a closer contact to local affairs, they could keep a better eye on public servants Believed national debt should just be paid off No special privileges for certain classes (ex. Manufacturers) Agriculture was the favored branch of the economy – most followers were farmers from the south and southwest s outhwest People who vote should be literate (not all white men should be able to vote) Slavery okay – important for whites to work at certain wages, keep land, maintain income Freedom of speech and th e press Pro-French Pro-French rather than pro-British •
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Federalists
Rule ule by by the the “be “best st peop people le” ” (in (inte tell llig igent ent)) Didn’ Didn’tt want want to to open open democ democrac racy y up fully fully Power owerfu full cent centra rall gov’ gov’tt over over state state powe powerr Loose Loose interp interpret retati ation on of of the the Consti Constitut tution ion Gov’t to foster business Protective tariffs Pro-B o-Briti ritish sh (con (conse serv rva ative tive Brit rit tradi raditi tion on)) Nation National al debt debt is good good if if prop properl erly y funde funded d Expanding bureaucracy Powerful central bank
Democratic-Republicans
Rule ule by by the the inf infor orme med d (li (lite tera rate te)) mass masses es Favored avored near near-compl -complete ete democr democracy acy Weak eak cent central ral gov’ gov’tt to pres preser erve ve stat states es’’ rights Strict Strict interp interpret retati ation on of of the the Const Constitu itutio tion n Agriculture preferred to business No special favors for manufacturers Pro-F o-French ench (rad (radic ical al revol evolut utiiona onary tradition) Nation National al debt debt bad – rigid rigid economy economy better better Smaller bureaucracy (fewer federal office holders) Encouragement to state banks
Chapter 10 Notes Restr estriicti ctions ons on free spe speech ech & press ress Concentration in seacoast area Strong navy to protect shippers
Relat elatiively vely free free spee speec ch and and pre press South & southwest: in inland & agricultural areas Minimal navy for co coastal defense
Chronology 1789
Constitution formally put into effect Judiciary Act of 1789 Washington Washington elected President French Revolution begins
1790
First official census
1791
Bill of Rights adopted Vermont becomes the 14th state US Bank created Excise tax passed
1792
Washington Washington re-elected President
17921793
Federalist Federalist and Democratic-Republican Democratic-Republican parties formed
1793
Loui ouis XVI behea eheade ded d Revolution
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radi radica call
phase hase of
France declares war on Britain and Spain Washington’s Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation Citizen Genêt affair 1794
Whiskey Rebellion Battle of Fallen Timbers Jay’s Treaty with Britain
Frenc ench
Chapter 10 Notes 1795
Treaty of Greenville: Indians cede Ohio Pinckney’s Treaty with Spain
1796
Washington’s Farewell Address
1797
Adams becomes President XYZ Affair
1798
Alien Sedition Acts
17981799
Virginia and Kentucky resolutions
17991800
Undeclared war with France
1800
Convention of 1800 – peace with France
