Adams' Presidency US History PDF

The New Nation US History Adams’ Presidency Recap: Washington’s Farewell Address Pres. Washington left the Presidency, but warned us that… Political parties would hurt the US, dividing us instead of uniting us Not to make fore...

The New Nation US History Adams’ Presidency Recap: Washington’s Farewell Address Pres. Washington left the Presidency, but warned us that… Political parties would hurt the US, dividing us instead of uniting us Not to make foreign alliances that will eventually drag us into war Favoring sections of the US over others would lead to civil war  Election of 1796 Thomas Jefferson John Adams In 1796, John Adams was elected President of the US (Federalist Party) His VP was Thomas Jefferson (Dem-Rep. Party)  The XYZ Affair Adams’ first challenge as president was the ongoing Napoleonic Wars France was frustrated with American neutrality and pro-Britain treaties ○ Began to seize U.S. ships  The XYZ Affair Adams sent diplomats to France to negotiate an agreement on Scenario: You receive a zero on a grade that you turned in American trade rights in Europe and want to ask me about why you received a zero. Three French diplomats (X, Y, & Z), I respond by saying that you demanded $250,000 in bribes need to pay me five dollars ○ known as XYZ Affair before I am willing to talk to you. How would you feel?  The XYZ Affair The US refused, offended by this “Millions for defense, not treatment an ounce for tribute!!!” ○ Tensions with France rise ○ Some people even begin calling for war Army/Navy sizes increased  Alien and Sedition Acts To pay for the increasing military, unpopular taxes were passed ○ Adams didn’t like the criticism he got for the larger situation with France He also felt pressure from increasing immigrant populations ○ European immigrants often supported Democratic-Republicans  Alien and Sedition Acts Alien Act: President could arrest and deport any immigrant who criticized the government Sedition Act: Crime for citizens to criticize the government in public Which fundamental right(s) did the Sedition Act violate? Which part of the constitution was violated? Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions : ○ Written by Jefferson and Madison ○ Said the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional ○ Argued states had the power to nullify federal laws that were unconstitutional Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions The resolutions attempted to bring state governments more power ○ Threatened the government ○ Challenged the supremacy clause BUT, no other states support them Election of 1800 The A-S Acts and heavy taxes became so unpopular, that the Federalists would lose power Thomas Jefferson wins, demonstrating our first peaceful transfer of power