This Week: Elections of 1796 – 1800: Federalist and Republicans Quiz on Wednesday Constitutional Convention Presentations Today - French Revolution - Election of 1796 - John Adam’s Presidency - DBQ French Revolution (1789-1799) • Period of Social and Political Upheaval • Inspired by similar ideals of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of happiness… and massive war debt In 1792 a Republic was proclaimed and Louis the XVI is executed Europe goes to war with France (why?) Radicalization led to the rise of the Jacobins and the ‘Reign of Terror’ (16,000 – 40,000) people were executed 1793-1794 1795 an ineffective national Directory takes control 1799 Further instability leads to a Coup by Napoleon How does the French Revolution relate to the US? • Revolutionary France goes to war with European Powers in 1792 (Washington’s is a stance of Neutrality) • Citizen Genet (ambassador to the US) controversially tries to muster support for the French Revolution. • Was a global event that scared every government including the United States. Election of 1796 • 1796 was the first multi-party election in American history. • The top Nominees: Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) with his running mate, Aaron Burr, and John Adams (Federalist) with his running mate, Thomas Pinckney • A transition of power from the first president, Campaign Issues • The most important issues of the 1796 election were the French Revolution and the Jay Treaty • Jefferson was against the Jay Treaty because it favored the British over the French and Adams opposed the French Revolution. • Adams won by 3 votes and Jefferson automatically became vice president. John Adams’ Administration 17971801 • Adams was a brilliant lawyer and statesman but too uncompromising to be an effective politician. • Had to serve as a Federalist president with a Republican Vice-President • Awkward: Main Issues During the Adams Administration • The XYZ affair and Quasi-war with France • The Alien and Sedition Acts • The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions XYZ Affair and Quasi War • XYZ Affair, American delegates were sent to France to try and persuade the French to stop harassing American Shipping. • Rise of Nationalism: “Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute.” • Quasi-War: Moved Adams to suspend all trade with France and American Captains were authorized to attack and Capture French Hamilton is at it Again • Federalists began building up the army – Ostensible purpose: repel French invasion – Actual intention: stifle internal opposition • Hamilton commanded army, controlled officers Alien and Sedition Acts • Elections in 1798 had increased Federalist majority in both houses of congress • Alien Act: made it difficult for immigrants trying to obtain citizenship • Sedition Act: Widened the powers of the Adams administration to muzzle newspaper critics. • Both bills were aimed at actual or potential Republican opposition, a number of editors were imprisoned. DBQ TIME • In groups read the passages provided. • Answer each question thoroughly with 4 sentences minimum. • One copy turned in per group (5 pts). Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions • Republicans saw Alien and Sedition Acts as dire threat to liberty • Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions - states have the right to nullify federal law under certain circumstances (States’ Rights) – Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions—states may nullify unconstitutional federal law – Madison’s Virginia Resolutions—urged states to protect their citizens Purpose of Resolutions • Clarify differences between Republicans and Federalists, not justify secession John Adams Success • • • • 1799—Adams broke with Hamilton Sent new team to negotiate with France War hysteria against France vanished U.S. resolves – United States resolved its differences with France • Hamilton’s army seen as a useless expense