Unit 6: The New Empire

Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison

The War of 1812

Washington as President

Years in Office: 1789-1797 Political Affiliation: none Vice-President: John Adams Inaugurated in New York City: “grave,

almost to sadness.” What would be some challenges of being

the first president?

Organizing the New Government He established five Cabinet offices:

Department of State: Thomas Jefferson Department of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton Department of War: Henry Knox Office of Attorney General: Edmund

Randolph Office of Postmaster General:

Judiciary Act of 1789 One of the first legislations passed. It called for the Supreme Court to have

one Chief Justice and 5 Associate Justices.

Chief Justice: John Jay District and Circuit Courts were set up

and one could appeal to a higher court when ___________.

Washington Set a Precedent What is a precedent? An act or decision that sets an example

for others to follow. Why? Washington’s precedents?

Only running for two terms. Choosing well known leaders to serve in his

Cabinet.

Question

After the Revolutionary War, what do you think was the biggest domestic problem facing the country?

The National Debt The total sum of money a government owes to

others. During the Revolution, the government had

borrowed money from foreign countries and individuals--to pay soldiers and for supplies.

Alexander Hamilton had two ideas: Pay off all the borrowed money by the government. Pay off debts owed by states too.

The National Bank: Purpose: Build up the nation’s economy. How it worked: The government deposited the

money it collected from taxes, and then made loans to farmers and businesses.

Hamilton: For it. Jefferson: Against it--didn’t want the federal

government to control too much.

Question

We’ve already established that money was important to the new nation, how else could they raise money?

Tariffs

A tax on all foreign goods brought into the country.

Purpose: To make imported goods more expensive to buy than goods made in the U.S. What would this do?

PROTECTive Tariff: Protect American industry from foreign competition.

Another tax… Congress passed a bill that taxed all liquor

made and sold in the U.S. Backcountry farmers grew corn and since it was

too heavy to transport, they made it into whiskey. This made it easier to ship in barrels to markets in the East.

These farmers protested the tax and compared it to the taxes placed on them by the British.

The Whiskey Rebellion In 1794, in western Pennsylvania, tax officials tried to

collect the tax. Farmers rebelled and soon tax officials were being

tarred and feathered. Washington (as the new president) acted quickly.

He sent 15,000 troops to scatter them and that is exactly what happened.

Washington showed those who disagreed with the government that violence would not be tolerated.

Showed the people that their new government would act firmly in times of crisis.

The French Revolution The French Revolution: July 14, 1789 in Europe

An angry mob in Paris had destroyed the Bastille (a fort that was being used as a prison)

The French were upset with their government and wanted liberty and equality. The poor and middle classes paid heavy taxes, while nobles paid none. The people wanted to limit the power of the King--Louis XVI.

Countries all across Europe were scared revolutionary ideas would spread to their countries. Many sent armies to overpower the revolutionaries in France

Europe in a war for 20 years.

How does the U.S. act? Many felt that because France had supported

them in the Revolutionary War, they should also help.

America was divided. Jefferson: Supported Hamilton and Adams: Against. “A revolution

based on violence would not succeed” Foreign Policy: Actions and stands that a nation

takes in relation to other nations.

America’s Neutrality

Washington issues the Neutrality Proclamation--would not support either side in the war

European countries would not respect and stopped trading with America. They seized 250 American trading ships.

John Jay was sent to England to create a treaty

The Treaty

Britain would pay for damages to the 250 seized ships and America would pay debts to British merchants from before the Revolutionary War.

Actual effects: Protests in America

What was Washington’s legacy and advice about

foreign policy and political parties?

Remain Neutral No Political Parties