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Unit 6:
The New Nation
The Presidencies of George Washington and John Adams
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Early Republic: Washington & Adams
1 Introduction
Washington (1789-1797)
The Man
His Cabinet
His Foreign Policy
Political Parties Emerge
Adams (1797-1801)
The Man from Massachusetts
Quasi-War & Responses
Alien & Sedition Acts
Conclusion
2 Key Terms
• Pinckney’s Treaty
• Federalists
• Democratic-Republicans
• XYZ Affair
• Alien & Sedition Acts
• Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
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HBO series John Adams: Washington Takes Oath
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George Washington (1789-1797)
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Washington’s Cabinet = Geographic Balance
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Foreign Policy:
War In Europe
(1789-1815)
• French Revolution began in 1789; France vs. Europe (led by British)
• US shipping is caught in the middle, trying to keep relations and trade with both sides.
• Washington declares the US to be neutral.
• Jefferson: French
• Hamilton and Adams: British
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Foreign Policy: Spain
Two Concerns
1. US farmers want access to Mississippi River
2. Boundary dispute in Southeast with Spain
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Foreign Policy: Spain
Solution =
Pinckney’s Treaty (1796)
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1. Granted Americans free access to Mississippi River & New Orleans
2. 31° Parallel = US boundary with Florida
 VERY popular in US
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Political Parties
Federalists
• Who: Hamilton, Washington, & Adams
• Where: Northeast
• Issues: Strong Central Government, Pro-business
• Constitution: “Loose Interpretation”
• Foreign Policy: Pro-British
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Interpreting the Constitution
(Democratic-Republicans vs. Federalists View)
Loose Interpretation
• Elastic Clause: Congress had power to “make all laws Necessary & Proper” to carry out its
functions
Focus = Strong National Government
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Washington’s Farewell Address (1797)
In contemplating the causes, which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern,
that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by Geographical
discriminations . . . One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is
to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much
against the jealousies and heart-burnings, which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to
render alien to each other those, who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. . . To the
efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances,
however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute; they must inevitably experience
the infractions and interruptions, which all alliances in all times have experienced. . . Respect for its
authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the
fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to
make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists,
till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.
The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the
duty of every individual to obey the established Government.
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Election Of 1796
• The election of 1796 was the first time American voters had to choose between candidates from
competing political parties.
• John Adams = Federalist
• Thomas Jefferson = Democratic-Republican
• Adams won; Jefferson = Vice President
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John Adams
(“The Man from Massachusetts”)
• A lawyer from Massachusetts, & member of Continental Congress
• Diplomat in France during American Revolution; Washington’s Vice President
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XYZ Affair (1797)
• French seized 300 US ships 1796-97
• US sent diplomats to France; French officials demanded a bribe
• HUGE Anti-French sentiment in US & led to “Quasi War” with France in Caribbean
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Alien & Sedition Acts
(1798)
President could expel any foreigner determined to be a threat to the nation
Illegal to defame or criticize President or Government
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Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
(1798)
1. States could judge constitutionality of laws passed by Congress
2. If national government overstepped its powers, states could nullify laws
3. Written by James Madison and Adams’ Vice-President, Thomas Jefferson
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