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Major Events of John Adams Presidency

Major Events of John Adams Presidency. Conflict with France XYZ Affair Split in the Federalist Party Alien and Sedition Acts States Rights Election of 1800. Federalist.

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Major Events of John Adams Presidency

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  1. Major Events of John Adams Presidency • Conflict with France • XYZ Affair • Split in the Federalist Party • Alien and Sedition Acts • States Rights • Election of 1800 Federalist “It's simply a matter of doing what you do best and not worrying about what the other fellow is going to do.” – John Adams

  2. Conflict with France • As soon as Adams took office, he faced the conflict with France. • The French did not like Jay’s Treaty and began to seize American ships in the West Indies just like the British had done. • To avoid war, Adams sent diplomats to France.

  3. XYZ Affair • The French in return sent diplomats to America. • XYZ Affair-French attempt to make the United States pay money before discussing French seizure of neutral American ships. • Adams told Congress about the proposal but did not name the agents, instead he called them X,Y, and Z. • After this, the people were outraged and demanded war with France but Adams refused and wanted to keep the U.S. out of foreign affairs. • As a result he built frigates – fast-sailing ships with many guns- to convince France to stop attacking.

  4. Federalist Split • Federalists, led by Hamilton, criticized Adams because they wanted a war. • This would weaken the Republicans, who supported France. • Plus, a war would lead to a build up of the military which would increase federal power and was a key goal of the Federalists. • Adams resisted pressure for war and instead sent diplomats. • The diplomats met the new leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to wage war in Europe. • He wanted nothing to do with a war with the United States and agreed to stop seizing American ships.

  5. Alien and Sedition Acts • Passed in 1798 – domestic policies • Alien Act – the President could expel any alien, or foreigner, thought to be dangerous to the country. It also made it harder for immigrants to become citizens (wait 14 years). • Sedition Act – citizens could be fined or jailed if they criticized the government or its officials. • Republicans protested both of these acts.

  6. States Rights • Jefferson opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts. • He urged states to take action against the acts by nullifying (canceling) the law passed by the federal government. • Kentucky and Virginia Resolution – claimed each state has a right to judge whether or not a law is constitutional. • Raised the issue of states rights (does the state have the power to declare federal law unconstitutional?)

  7. Election of 1800 • Republicans focused on attacking Federalists and on the Alien and Sedition Acts. • Republicans nominated Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr • Federalists nominated John Adams • Republicans won the popular vote but Jefferson and Burr tied for the electoral college • The House of Representatives made the final vote and chose Jefferson as president • It also set up the 12th Amendment – the House would determine the presidency if there was no majority of electoral votes • Declined the power of Federalists

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