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The Birth of Political Parties

The Birth of Political Parties. 1788-1800. Washington 1789-1797. created a strong, independent presidency rejected the argument for states’ rights Wanted a strong, national government Resisted any attempts to restrict his presidential powers

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The Birth of Political Parties

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  1. The Birth of PoliticalParties 1788-1800

  2. Washington 1789-1797 • created a strong, independent presidency • rejected the argument for states’ rights • Wanted a strong, national government • Resisted any attempts to restrict his presidential powers • By his second term most Americans saw Washington as a Federalist; no longer “above party lines” Apothesis of Washington

  3. Conflicting Visions: Alexander Hamilton • Secretary of the Treasury • Believed strong central government preserves national independence • Envisioned U.S. as an industrial power • Feared the common people; he was an elitist

  4. Conflicting Visions: ThomasJefferson • Secretary of State under Washington • Believed limited government preserves liberty • Envisioned U.S. as an agrarian(farming) nation • Trusted the common people

  5. Federalists(Hamilton) Pessimistic view of human nature Wanted a rich, well-born aristocracy to rule based on birth, wealth, and status Strong national government Loose interpretation of the Constitution Industrial, urban centered economy Government gives aid to business Pro-British Republicans (Jefferson) Optimistic view of human nature A natural aristocracy based on talent and virtue Local, states’ rights; limited central government Strict interpretation of the Constitution Farming, rural centered economy Government neither aids or regulates business; laissez-faire Pro-French Political Parties Develop

  6. The Peril of Neutrality • Franco-British War breaks out 1793 • England violates American sovereignty, neutrality on high seas • Jefferson: punish England by cutting off trade • Hamilton: appease England because too strong • French diplomat Edmond Genet challenges American neutrality repeatedly in public • Washington will not give in to Genet

  7. Jay’s Treaty • Problems: British still in American west; seized slaves at end of Revolutionary War; capture of American vessels in French West Indies because would not recognize U.S. neutrality; bad commercial relations • Treaty: British leave Western forts; allow SMALL ships to trade in British West Indies; Refused to pay for ships taken, recognize neutrality and did not address slaves • Washington did not like treaty; barely passed the Senate • Public says we sold out!

  8. Domestic Unrest: The Whiskey Rebellion • 1791-excise* tax passed on grain/distilled whiskey • 1794- western Pennsylvanians loosing money because of tax and protest paying it • Governor refuses to suppress men • Washington accompanies 15,000 troops • Arrive to find no rebels • Washington blamed Republican political clubs for inciting disorder • Republicans said it was just an excuse for Hamilton to create a large army to scare the Republicans; the average man *Excise-internal tax on goods manufactured, sold, or consumed within a country

  9. Washington’s Farewell • Washington not limited to two terms • 1796- announces intention to retire • Warns against political parties • Stay Neutral!!!

  10. Alien and Sedition Acts • Federalists developed a large army in case of war with France after XYZ affair – can’t believe Republicans still support France • Provisional army led by Washington and Hamilton- only loyal Federalists received commissions • Main point: not to crush the French but rather the Republicans through intimidation • Adams was bullied into approving the army; he established the navy in 1798 • Federalists turn next to Congress

  11. Alien and Sedition Acts, Cont. • Alien Law- president could expel any foreigner simply by decree (power for 2 years) • Adams never used this, but did cause many Frenchmen to flee • Naturalization Law- 14 year probationary period before could apply for full citizenship • Many immigrants (French and Irish) were Republicans – prevent them from voting • Sedition Law- could not criticize the U.S. government; attempt to shut down the Republican press

  12. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions • Republicans see Alien and Sedition Acts as dire threat to liberty • Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions--states may nullify unconstitutional federal law • Madison's Virginia Resolutions--urge states to protect their citizens • Purpose of resolutions: clarify differences between Republicans and Federalists

  13. Adams Breaks Away • 1799- After the French apologize for the XYZ “misunderstanding,” Adams sends men to negotiate with France • Declare treaties of 1778 null and void and removed all French restrictions on trade. • This change, while it infuriated Hamilton and other Federalists, it paved the way for the future Louisiana Purchase.

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