John Adams and the Election of 1796

By 1796, Americans were dividedCandidates sought office for the first time as a member of a political party

Feds and Repubs held meetings (caucuses) where they chose their leader

Feds nominated John AdamsRepublicans nominated Jefferson

Election of 1796

Adams elected President by 3 votes over Jefferson 71 to 68Only time Pres/VP will be from diff political parties

PRESIDENCY

1796 Election Results (16 states in the Union)1796 Election Results

(16 states in the Union)

John Adams Massachusetts Federalist 71 51.4%

Thomas Jefferson Virginia Democratic-Republican

68 49.3%

Thomas Pinckney South Carolina Federalist 59 42.8%

Aaron Burr New York Democratic-Republican

30 21.7%

Samuel Adams Massachusetts Federalist 15 10.9%

Oliver Ellsworth Connecticut Federalist 11 8.0%

George Clinton New York Democratic-Republican

7 5.1%

Other - - 15 10.9%

Total Number of Electors13

8

Total Electoral Votes Cast27

6

Number of Votes for a Majority

70

Born in Massachusetts Lawyer (Boston Massacre)Represented at Treaty of ParisSigned the DOI

Wife=AbigailServes one term

JOHN ADAMS: Background

CABINET (Keeps GW’s people)State=PickeringTreasurer=WolcottWar=McHenryNavy=Stoddert

Presidency

Resides over a very divided countryFeds were pro-war with France (GB)D-R were anti-war (France)

1st Pres to reside in White House (1800)

Presidency

XYZ Affair

SettingU.S. merchants have been allowed to trade with Britain and France French thought Jay’s Treaty was our attempt to help Britain win the war against FranceFrance began seizing U.S. ships (“Quasi-War”)

XYZ Affair

Adams’ ResponseAdams wanted to avoid war—sent 3 men (Pinckney, Marshall and Gerry) to Paris to solve the crisis

XYZ Affair

Read about the events of the XYZ Affair (website and book)Summarize the Affair through Instagram (J. Adams perspective)Make sure to include:

What caused this eventWho was involvedWhere was it taking place Importance/effect

XYZ Affair: Instagram