Challenges of the 1790sChapter 6 Section 2

Write a letter to Washington

Write a letter to George Washington convincing him to choose a side in the French Revolution and European conflict.

Remaining Neutral

French Revolution led to war against monarchies throughout Europe

Jefferson – supported France

Hamilton – supported British

Washington – policy of NEUTRALITY

Genet Affair – French national who came U.S. to seek aid, went outside diplomatic channels and angered GW

Relations with Britain

British seizing US ships, putting sailors in prison.

Also stirring up trouble among natives in Northwest.

Jay’s Treaty 1794) – British would leave forts and pay for damages to ships; U.S. would repay debts. This treaty upset many people.

Relations with Spain

Spain now worried US and Britain would team up against them.

Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) – Spain gave U.S. right to use MS River & New Orleans, settled boundary of FL

Conflicts in the NW Territory

Land & NW Ordinances encouraged settlement by whites in native territory

Chief Little Turtle was leader of resistance by natives, he later encouraged them to negotiate, but they did not

Conflicts in NW Territory

Battle of Fallen Timbers – US led by Gen. Wayne defeated Miami

Treaty of Greenville – natives gave up land for peace in OH, IN, IL & MI

Washington’s Legacy

Washington’s farewell address warned against: formation of political partiespermanent alliancesgetting into debt

Set precedent for setting up cabinet, serving 2 terms and the term “Mr. President”.

Washington’s Farewell

20 Unheeded Warnings - read and highlight those you feel have had the most impact.

http://blog.ganderson.us/2011/08/20-unheeded-warnings-by-george-washington/

President Adams

Election of 1796 – rivalry between 2 parties

Sectionalism – Federalist party split; Adams supported by North, South preferred Pinckney, DRs supported Jefferson

Flaw in Constitution led to Jefferson being elected VP (2nd place)

2 political rivals had to work together

Problems for Adams

France was seizing American ships, Adams sent men to Paris to negotiate peace

Were only able to meet with low level (X, Y & Z) who demanded $250k

“XYZ Affair” caused anti-French sentiment to rise

Federalists thought French were plotting to overthrow gov; suspicious of immigrants and DR supporters

Alien & Sedition Acts - 1798

Many people suspicious of French, Congress wanted to protect nation from foreign enemies.

Raised residence requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years

allowed president to deport or jail any alien considered “undesirable”

crime to speak out against government

Dem-Rep editors & politicians jailed, many thought laws violated free speech

Link to Adams Presidency

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkjovxuapMM

Write an Editorial

Write a newspaper editorial in support or opposition to the Alien & Sedition Acts – do you think they are good or bad for the country and why? Explain.

Conflict over Federal Laws

VA & KY Resolutions – Jefferson & Madison said A&S Acts unconstitutional, VA & KY passed resolutions stating they would not follow law.

Principle of “nullification” – states had right to nullify (cancel) acts of Congress they believed to be unconstitutional

Washington died in December 1799; Napoleon of France ordered ten days of mourning.