notes: first presidents: washington, adams, & jefferson

NOTES: First Presidents: Washington, Adams, &

Jefferson

George Washington

– 1st President

What is this painting commemorating?

What is this painting commemorating?

What is this painting commemorating?

Background1. Commander in Chief: during Revolutionary

war a. Crossing the Delaware inc in enlistmentb. Valley Forge boost soldier moralec. Yorktown Cornwallis surrenders

2. Assisted in Constitutional Convention - elected president (1789-1797)

Precedents: examples to follow

1. Selects a Cabinet: leaders of executive departments

a. Alexander Hamilton = secretary of the treasury

b. Thomas Jefferson = sec. of state (foreign relations)

2. Supports National Treasurya. debt from Rev warb. federal gov wants to assume (take over)

state’s debtsc. Borrow/lend $ to foreign nations

3. Supports Whiskey Tax - to pay off war debt

4. Asserts power! – Whiskey Rebellion

a. rebels close courts and attack collectors

b. Washington sends troops!... 12,000 soldiersi. Gov will not tolerate armed rebellion

5. Neutrality - don’t favor 1 side(not a part of a political party)

6. Steps Down after 2 terms

What represents the rebels?What represents the gov’t?

JohnAdams –

2nd President

Background1. Vice President under

Washington

2. Federalist – political party in favor of a strong Federal gov’t

Presidency1. Britain and France @ war

a. Europeans seize contraband (war materials) headed to enemy country

2. Secretary of State goes to France to negotiate

3. XYZ Affair – French agents (X,Y,Z) demand $250,000 to begin negotiations

a. Adams = irritated and offended!

Give me your

cargo!

4. Est. peacetime army (10,000 men) and builds Navy

5. Alien & Sedition Acts - laws intended to frighten foreigners

a. Alien - Pres could deport/imprison “dangerous” aliens (foreigners)

b. Sedition - Forbade people from writing/speaking out against

government

1800 Election Results1800 Election Results

AdamsAdams

JeffersonJefferson

Thomas Jefferson

- 3rd President

Background1. Secretary of State

under Washington

2. Democratic Republican – political party opposed to strong Federal gov’t

Small government!

Presidency1. Louisiana Purchase – buys 828,000 sq miles

for $15 milliona. Doubles size of nation

b. Gain control of the Mississippi River