President Washington 1789-1797

8.5a - Describe major domestic problems faced by the leaders of the new Republic such as maintaining national security, creating a stable economic system, setting up the court system, and defining the authority of the central government.8.5b & c - Summarize arguments regarding protective tariffs, taxation and the banking system8.5e - Trace the foreign policies of Presidents Washington and explain the impact of Washington’s Farewell Address and the Monroe Doctrine.

Previously in history . . .• 1607 – The British establish Jamestown and

begin colonizing the east coast

Previously in history . . .

• For about 150 years, the British colonies grow.• People leave England for a variety of reasons:

religious freedom, cheap land, new jobs and cash crops, etc. . .

Previously in history . . .• But after the French and Indian War, Britain

becomes strapped for cash and decides to tax her colonies

Previously in history . . .• Angered by taxes that they feel are unfair, the

colonists begin to protest and rebel. . .

Previously in history . . .• From 1775-1783, the Americans (with the help of the

French) battle the British in the American Revolution. Independence was declared in 1776.

Previously in history . . .• With the British defeated, the Americans

began their new nation under the Articles of Confederation, which was a major bust . . .

Previously in history . . .• In 1787, delegates met to write a new

Constitution. After two years of debate, the new Constitution was ratified in 1789

The first presidential election• How is the president elected today?

The first presidential election• A group of electors,

from each state, picked the first six presidents.

• Washington was elected by a unanimous (100%) vote.

• John Adams was the first vice president

How does this job work?• Washington had no precedent (example) to follow.

• He had to figure out how he was going to manage the nation’s money, run the military, perform diplomacy and enforce the nation’s laws.

The Cabinet• Washington created the President’s cabinet

(group of advisors) to oversee specific jobs of the president.

• This way he could have experts in each particular area perform his duties with his supervision.

The Secretary of War (Defense)

• Runs the nation’s military

• Washington hired Henry Knox, a veteran general of the Revolution

The Secretary of the Treasury• Controls national

spending and the banking system.

• Washington chose another Revolution vet, and a rising young political star, Alexander Hamilton

The Secretary of State

• The nation’s top diplomat, in charge of creating deals with other nations.

• Washington chose a familiar face, and someone who was world renown, Thomas Jefferson.

Attorney General

• Nation’s top lawyer, in charge of enforcing laws.

• Washington hired Edmund Randolph

Things were not quite so simple• You would think that the first president’s cabinet

would be a cooperative group, but Hamilton and Jefferson disagreed on many policies, and they hated each other.

• Washington tended to listen to Hamilton, and Jefferson quit in disgust in 1793

Moron!

Doodiehead!

Hamilton’s Economic System• Washington gave

Hamilton free reign over all things money.

• Hamilton was able to create a financial plan to build the new America

Let’s make some money,

people!!!

Hamilton’s Economic System

• 1. Pay off the war debt• 2. Raise money by placing tariffs (taxes) on

foreign goods.• 3. Create a powerful national bank.

The Whiskey Rebellion

• Americans and taxes don’t mix, and Hamilton taxed whiskey.

• Angry Pennsylvania citizens rebelled and refused to pay the new tax on whiskey.

Whiskey Rebellion• Washington sent

in the military and ended the conflict quickly.

• Unlike what happened during Shay’s rebellion, this proved that the new government had control.