First 5 Presidents of US Flashcards

Questions and Answers

List the first 5 presidents of the US in order.

George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe.

What was George Washington's foreign policy?

Neutrality.

Which treaty helped stop tension between the US and Britain during Washington's presidency?

Treaty of Ghent

Pickney's Treaty

Paris Treaty

Jay's Treaty (correct)

What was Hamilton's Plan related to Washington's domestic policy?

To get the US out of debt by moving the US capital south in exchange for taking over northern states' debts. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the topics addressed in George Washington's Farewell Address?

Political Parties Signup and view all the answers

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident where France demanded money from the US for negotiations. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Alien and Sedition Acts allow John Adams to do?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase?

The US acquired the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Embargo Act aim to accomplish?

To stop all foreign trade to pressure Britain and France. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the War of 1812?

The Treaty of Ghent ended the war with no clear winner. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment was violated according to the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?

First Amendment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First 5 Presidents of the US

George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe.

George Washington (Foreign Policy)

Advocated for neutrality, avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts.
Jay's Treaty aimed to ease tensions with Britain; involved British withdrawal from Northwest Territory, but limited US trade with Britain.
Pinckney's Treaty granted the US navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to New Orleans.

George Washington (Domestic Policy)

Hamilton's Plan sought to eliminate national debt; involved relocating the capital to the South in exchange for assuming northern states' debts.
Judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal court system and created the cabinet position for Attorney General.
Responded to the Whiskey Rebellion by deploying troops to demonstrate federal authority against tax protests.

George Washington (Cabinet and Farewell Address)

Established a cabinet of advisors:
- Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton
- Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson
- Secretary of War: Henry Knox
- Attorney General: Edmund Randolph
In his Farewell Address, warned against political parties and recommended maintaining national morality through religion while promoting debt management and neutrality in foreign affairs.

George Washington (Precedents and Native Relations)

Set precedents for future presidents, including the oath of office and the title "Mr. President."
Advocated civic virtue, prioritizing public good over personal interests.
Dealt with complex relationships with Native Americans, often sending troops for protection and establishing treaties amidst land conflicts.

John Adams (Foreign Policy)

The XYZ Affair resulted in tensions with France after French agents demanded bribes, leading to diplomatic failures and an increase in American nationalism.
Adopted nationwide defense funding with the stance, "Millions for defense, but not one for tribute."

John Adams (Domestic Policy)

Leader of the Federalist Party; enacted Alien and Sedition Acts, which allowed deportation of foreigners and criminalized criticism of the government.
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions argued that these acts violated the First Amendment, diminishing Adams's popularity.

John Adams (Judiciary)

Appointed numerous Federalist judges in his final days, known as Midnight Judges, to extend the influence of the Federalist Party.

Thomas Jefferson (Foreign Policy)

Enacted the Embargo Act, halting all foreign trade to compel Britain and France to respect US neutrality; resulted in economic downturn.
Replaced the Embargo Act with the Nonintercourse Act, allowing trade with all nations except Britain and France.

Thomas Jefferson (Domestic Policy)

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 expanded US territory; the acquisition cost $15 million and included crucial trade routes.
Directed the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the newly acquired territory and foster relations with Native Americans.

Thomas Jefferson (Election of 1800)

Marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties (Federalists to Democratic-Republicans); initiated a reduction in federal government power.

James Madison (Foreign Policy)

The War of 1812 fought against Britain due to British support of Native resistance and impressments of American sailors.
Treaty of Ghent concluded the war without territorial changes but established US respect in international waters.

Description

Test your knowledge on the first five presidents of the United States with these flashcards. Learn about their contributions and the critical aspects of their foreign policies. Ideal for students studying American history or preparing for exams.