The Presidency of John Adams9.4

Why it Matters

• John Adams tries to reduce the country’s political divisions and to create a

NEUTRAL course in foreign policy.

Troubles with France

• France was angry about our treaty (Jay’s treaty) with Britain. They felt that USA was siding with Britain instead of them• Why would USA not side with France after

all, they helped during the American Revolution

XYZ Affair

• France continued to attach American merchant ships so Adams send a three person team to make a treaty with France. XYZ

• France demanded a bribe of 250,000 before they could talk to Charles Talleyrand

• Blackmail! Bribery will not be paid by the USA• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORbiuWEQW6s

MILLIONS FOR DEFENSE, BUT NOT ONE SIXPENCE FOR A TRIBUTE!

John Adams declares we will not be blackmailed

Federalist demand Adams declares war on France

WAR FEVER

• Adams builds up Navy• Adams increases the size of Army• Between 1798-1800 the USA fought an

undeclared naval war.• USS Constitution is built and still in active duty

today

Adams sends another request to France for a treaty. And Yes, we will stop taking your ships

The Alien and Sedition Actshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP0VaD0hDiY

• Federalist and Republican differences widen• Federalist begin to fear immigrants because they feared

they brought disease and dangerous ideas. Especially feared they would back the Republicans

• Passed Alien Act: Changed Constitution from 5 to 14 years: What’s wrong with this?

• Passed Sedition Action: Crime to write or say anything insulting or anything false about the President, Congress or government officials. What’s wrong with this?

States’ Rights

• Republicans fight back over passing of Sedition and Alien Act

• They passed The Virginia and Kentucky resolutions that stated that the Alien and Sedition acts were unconstitutional.

• This resolution claimed that states had the right to NULIFY a law passed by Congress.

• This idea of nullification will come back and change our country forever. Why?