XYZ Affair
Main Idea: • US independent but STILL fighting for respect (Euro)
• US going to be constantly pulled into Euro. business
Details:
• Jay’s Treaty—US made with GB
• FR. Think US favoring GB…
• US tries to make peace with FR.—they insult us (bribe)
Importance: • US IS independent…do other nations see that?
Undeclared War with France
Main Idea: • US response to XYZ affair…US is MAD…rather go to war
than suffer abuse
Details:
• Build up military = create Navy (make warships), ↑ Army
• Clash with FR. On seas (1798-1800) no
war
Importance: • Many Dem-Rep. NOT speak out against FR.
• Losing credibility AND seats in Congress
Alien & Sedition Acts
Main Idea: • Threat of war w/FR.= US ↑ Xenophobic
• Many immig. supp. ideals of FR. Revol. and dislike GB
(and tend to supp. Dem-Rep NOT Feds)
Details:
• Naturalization Act—↑ time to become citiz
• Alien Acts—easier to deport “suspicious” immig.
• Sedition Acts—penalize those who crit. Fed. gov.
Importance: • What about the
? First Amend?
What effects did they (A/S) have?
Main Idea:
• Fed. Plan backfires—immig insulted, flock to Dem-Rep
Details:
• Those jailed for sedition = Heros!
• e.g., Matthew Lyons (news. Editor)
Importance: • New country—still trying to “find their identity”
• Still est.
The Republicans Respond
Main Idea: • JUST what they have been fearing (Oppressive Fed. Gov.)
• See “State’s Rights” key to preserv. individ. rights
Details:
• Jefferson/Madison leaders of new movement
•
– States allowed to nullify fed. acts
if they deem them unconstit.
Importance: • Can state decide what’s “unconstitutional?”
• A dangerous precedent (Marbury v. Madison—1803!)
What are State’s Rights?
Main Idea: • Dem-Rep see STATES as protectors of Fed. Gov abuses
• SAME OLD FIGHT (e.g., Fed vs. AntiFed)
Details:
• Fed. Fear this will weaken (break up?) the Union
• Legitimate concern
Importance:• Issue of WHO has WHAT power still not agreed upon
• (nor will it be for a while…)
Making Peace with France:
Main Idea: • Around 1800, Feds. losing pwr.—think war w/FR. Will
help party (save Feds. in Pres.)
• Adams thinks
more import than
Details:
•
•
•
•
Adams sends new deleg. to FR. seeking peace
FR. Agrees—fight stops
Adams “falls on sword”—attacked by other Feds.
Loses reelect.
Importance:• Adams follows GW advice (Isolationism/neutrality)
• “Right” for US, but cost him
Ticket out the door: WHAT are we
learning about America from this
section?