The Early Republic 1788-1829

The New Government• George Washington is elected the 1st president

by the Electoral College in 1788• Inaugurated in 1789

George Washington 1789-1797• Many precedents, or traditions, were established

during Washington’s term as President. • These are also known as the unwritten constitution. • Examples the Cabinet, political parties, serving two

terms as president. • These came about in order to help the government run

better.

Establishing U.S. Foreign Policy• In 1789, the French Revolution broke out• By 1792, the British were at war with France to

stop the spread of the French Revolution•Who should the U.S. support?• Alexander Hamilton Support Great Britain • Thomas Jefferson Support France

Proclamation of Neutrality

• 1793 President Washington issues the Proclamation of Neutrality• The U.S. will not take sides in the war in Europe•Why does the U.S. proclaim neutrality?• Too weak to defend itself• Atlantic Ocean separates us, and allows us to stay

neutral• Allows the U.S. to focus on domestic issues

(economy, westward expansion, etc)

Impact of the Proclamation of Neutrality

• “the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent Powers”•Washington does what is best for the United

States• Neutrality/Isolationism becomes the U.S.

foreign policy until World War I in 1917.

Hamilton’s Economic Plan• Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton proposed a 4-part

plan to stimulate the American economy• It was a very controversial plan

• 1. Assumption Plan• The Federal government would take over (or assume)

the debt of the states in order to establish credit for the U.S.• Northerners supported this, Southerners didn’t

Hamilton and James Madison agreed to pass this law if the capital moved to the South (Washington, D.C. is created).

Hamilton’s Economic Plan• 2. Protective Tariff• Hamilton wanted to pass a tariff to help pay off this

debt• Southerners objected (they thought it would raise

prices for all goods), and it does not pass Congress• 3. Excise Tax (Tax on domestic goods)• Hamilton also wanted to tax some domestic goods• A tax on whiskey was passed, that led farmers in

Pennsylvania to revolt in 1794 (Whiskey Rebellion). This rebellion was put down by Washington, and proved the new government was stronger than it was under the Articles of Confederation

Hamilton’s Economic Plan• 4. National Bank• He also proposed a national bank• The bank would be able to lend the government

money, print currency, and extend credit to business (regulate the nation’s money supply)• It passed in Congress, and was chartered for 20 years• It would put the U.S. on a strong financial footing

Opposition to the National Bank• Thomas Jefferson led the opposition to the bank• He believed it gave the government too much power,

and was unconstitutional• His opposition led to the formation of the first political

parties

Formation of Political Parties

Democratic-Republicans• Led by Jefferson• Opposed to the national

bank• Wanted a weaker federal

government, and stronger states• Strict interpretation of the

Constitution• --If the Constitution does not

mention something, then it is unconstitutional

Federalists• Led by Hamilton• Supported the national bank• Favored a stronger federal

government• Loose interpretation of the

Constitution (elastic clause)• --If the Constitution does not

ban something, then it is constitutional

Washington’s Farewell Address• In 1796 Washington retired after two terms• He issued a Farewell Address• Avoid political parties (create disunity)• The U.S. should continue its neutrality policy with

Europe• 1796—V.P. John Adams is elected the 2nd president

• 2 terms in office becomes a tradition, proves the U.S. won’t become a dictatorship

The Election of 1800• Adams vs Jefferson

• Neither candidate won a majority in the Electoral College• House of Representatives decided the election—

elected Jefferson over Adams and Aaron Burr• Impactfirst peaceful transfer of power (from

Federalists to Democratic-Republicans)

Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809

• Brought a new ideology (set of beliefs) to the government• Wanted a smaller, weaker federal government• Believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution• Thought the United States should be a nation of small

farmers• 1803Marbury v. Madison—establishes Supreme

Court’s ability of judicial review

Louisiana Purchase 1803

• Jefferson wanted to ensure U.S. access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans for trade• Napoleon offers all of Louisiana to the U.S. for

$15 million (3 cents an acre)• Constitutional issue Can the U.S. buy Louisiana

if Jefferson follows belief of strict interpretation?

Impact of Louisiana Purchase

• Doubles the size of the United States• Access to rivers for trade and westward expansion• Many natural resources

The War of 1812• Causes of the War of 1812• 1. Impressment of US sailors by British navy• 1807—Embargo Act—US bans trade w/Great Britain; fails to

stop the British• 2. British support of Native American attacks on western settlers• “War Hawks” western congressmen in favor of war

• President James Madison asks Congress to declare war—1st declared war in US history

• The US has major disadvantages against Great Britain:• Smaller, untrained army and navy

The War of 1812• Great Britain wins most of the battles• 1814—Washington, D.C. invaded and the White House burned

down

• Treaty of Ghent (1814)• The U.S. and Great Britain agree to return to the borders before the war. • Treaty is beneficial to the United States• Battle of New Orleans (1815)• Fought after the treaty (slow communication); the United States

wins; leads to the rise of Andrew Jackson and begins a period of nationalism

Nationalism/Era of Good Feelings• The War of 1812 led to a period of nationalism• “Era of Good Feelings”—only one political party

(Democratic-Republicans) and little disunity • Pride in US because of Battle of New Orleans• New policies that strengthened the government• Supreme Court Decisions• 1819—McCulloch vs. Maryland• 1824—Gibbons vs. Ogden• Foreign Policy• Monroe Doctrine (1823)US will continue policy of

neutrality in Europe if European countries stay out of the Western Hemisphere (the Americas)