Washington: 1789-1797 Overview

Washington's Presidency (1789-1797)

• George Washington inaugurated as the first president on April 30, 1789.
• First U.S. capital was New York City for one year, then moved to Philadelphia for ten years, finally settled in Washington D.C.
• Established the presidential cabinet with four key positions:
  • Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson (Virginia)
  • Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton (New York)
  • Secretary of War: Henry Knox (Massachusetts)
  • Attorney General: Edmund Randolph (Virginia)
• First Vice President was John Adams (Massachusetts), not part of the cabinet.
• Cabinet members represented the largest states to ensure significant influence in the executive branch.

Bill of Rights

• First Congress's primary task was to create the Bill of Rights.
• Amendments require approval from three-fourths of the states; ten amendments were ratified.
• Key amendments included:
  • First Amendment: Freedom of speech
  • Second Amendment: Right to bear arms
  • Third Amendment: No quartering of troops
  • Tenth Amendment: Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for states.

Hamilton's Financial Plans

• Alexander Hamilton aimed to address national debt, which totaled $54 million.
• Proposed the Assumption Bill (1790) to have the federal government assume state debts, fostering national unity.
• Thomas Jefferson and James Madison opposed this bill, prioritizing states' rights over national consolidation.
• After negotiations, the capital was moved to Washington D.C., influencing support for Hamilton's financial plan.

Creation of the Bank

• Hamilton argued for a federally controlled bank to stabilize the economy; Madison deemed it unconstitutional.
• Bank of the United States established in 1791, funded primarily by wealthy investors.
• The bank operated under a 20-year charter set to expire in 1811, contributing to rapid economic recovery.

Tariffs and Excise Taxes

• Tariff of 1789 imposed taxes on imported goods to raise revenue.
• Excise tax introduced, notably on whiskey, leading to significant farmer discontent.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

• Occurred in Pennsylvania as a violent protest against the whiskey tax.
• Washington deployed 13,000 troops to quell the rebellion, which ended before they arrived, asserting federal authority.

Native American Treaties and Conflicts

• Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794) marked the end of the Northwest Indian War, leading to a Native American defeat.
• Treaty of Greenville (1795) resulted in Native Americans ceding land in Ohio for $10,000.

Foreign Relations and Neutrality

• Neutrality Proclamation (1793) avoided entanglement in the French Revolution, prioritizing national debt management.
• Washington faced criticism for not supporting France, causing tension with pro-France Jefferson, who eventually resigned.

Pinckney's Treaty (1795)

• Treaty between the U.S. and Spain resolving trade issues.
• Americans gained access to New Orleans for trade, providing a crucial outlet for goods moving along the Mississippi River.

End of Washington's Presidency

• Washington chose not to seek a third term, establishing a precedent for future presidents.
• Election of 1796 marked the first significant presidential election, resulting in John Adams becoming the second president (1797-1801).