notes: first presidents: washington, adams, & jefferson
TRANSCRIPT
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?
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