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Now we have a Constitution…so now what?. Washington inaugurated 1789. Didn’t even want to be President “I feel like a culprit going to the place of my execution” Live footage. Big Problems to deal with. Formed cabinet (Hamilton, Jefferson, Randolph) Adams relegated to being VP (worthless)
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Washington inaugurated 1789 • Didn’t even want to be President • “I feel like a culprit going to the place of my execution” • Live footage
Big Problems to deal with • Formed cabinet (Hamilton, Jefferson, Randolph) • Adams relegated to being VP (worthless) • How to handle the economy?
Hamilton becomes the man in charge of the economy • One of the most brilliant minds of the generation • Realized that a vibrant economy was key to the new country • His system with a solid budget, a funded debt, a federal tax system, a national bank, a customs service, and a coast guard provided the foundations for American Capitalism and American Government
His plan, however, was controversial • Watch the video clip and try to understand why his vision is controversial
He comes up with a 3 part plan • Goal is to stabilize the economy. • Assume debts of ALL states • Create a National Bank • Impose Tariffs
Assumption of debts • Would create a vested interest in the government • Would relieve states of burden • Would necessitate a federal tax structure • Became a regional issue • South repaid much debt • Should the farmers subsidize the merchants? • Some had sold their bonds for whatever they could get…should they get the shaft? • “The Dinner Deal”
National Bank • Would create a vested interest in the nat. gov’t. • Would provide credit for the young nation • Stable uniform currency • Constitutional? • Again, a sectional issue (North voted in favor while South was against) • “Necessary and Proper” • Supreme Court eventually supports it
Encourage Manufacturers • Would provide jobs, growth, and a robust economy • Would then help the south because the north would demand more of their agriculture • Again, should the South subsidize the North?
Overall, his policies worked • 1790’s economic prosperity • Paid down the debts • More importantly, though, was the foundation that was laid. • Helped people see beyond their localities and states and view the republic as a whole.
While his policies worked, they served to create tension • A “Republican” alternative • A party system emerges.
Federalists • Favored a strong federal government • Believed Hamilton’s economic policies to be wise • Interpreted the Constitution loosely • Mostly urban merchant-class and upper class • Favored a shipping/manufacturing based economy • Harkened to the British way and model (therefore, anti-France) • Leader of party was Hamilton • Fear of mob-rule
Republicans(Democratic-Republicans) • Favored strong state governments • Therefore, a strict interpretation of Constit. • Felt Hamilton’s plan put too much power in fed gov’t and wealthy elite • Mostly “plain” sort of people • Favored an agrarian based economy • Fear of absolute power/rulers • Leaders were Jefferson and Madison
Washington’s 2nd term became problematic • France v. Britain War pulled America in • Neutrality Proclamation • Citizen Genet • Native issues (Treaty of Greenville) • Jay’s treaty • Pinckney’s treaty (Spain-New Orleans open and Mississippi River rights) • Farewell Address (unity, avoid faction, commercial relations, avoid perm. Alliances)
John Adams becomes 2nd Pres. • Defeats Jefferson (Jeff. becomes VP) • He disliked Hamilton but agreed with many of his ideas (Hamilton resigned in 1795 but still had influence). • Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) • Led to Virginia and KY Resolutions… • Nullification? • Matthew Lyons v Roger Griswold bring party passions to a crescendo • Pulled into war (undeclared war 1798-1800) • XYZ affair (1797) • Did well to keep us out…but…Alien and Sedition Acts were his downfall
Election of 1800 • Hostility toward Adams and the Federalists boiled over (taxes, standing army, Alien and Sedition Acts, Jay’s Treaty) • Hamilton turned against Adams and Adams lost to Jefferson (and Burr) • Before Federalists left office, their legacy was left with stacking the courts (“Midnight Appointments” Marshall, etc.) • Jefferson takes office and calls it “The Revolution of 1800” • “we are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” • Inaugurated in dc • HUGE event…peaceful transfer of power
Don’t call me a hypocrite, I’m on the nickel! Jefferson in office • Marbury v Madison • Supreme Court can now declare laws unconstitutional!!!! HUGE! • Louisiana Purchase • Steal of a deal emerged! Problems in Haiti led Napoleon to sell. $15 million ($.03 an acre!) • Out go Lewis and Clark on a “scientific expedition” • How is this hypocritical of Jefferson? • Overall, he reformed much of the federalist policies (reduced excise taxes, reduced military…but kept the bank and tariffs…he was still nationalistic) • Much like Washington and Adams, he was plagued by the war in Europe (Chesapeake incident in Norfolk) • Could have had war on the spot…opted for an embargo instead (is that constitutional?) and that didn’t work
Madison takes office next • Much like Wash, Adams, and Jeff, he is bamboozled by war in Europe.