AP United States History
The First Presidents
Introduction:
Many historians believe that the United States Constitution created the office of President
with one person in mind: George Washington. He was held in high esteem by many in the
country and had demonstrated incredible leadership skills. Yet considering the animosity the
Founding Fathers felt toward the King, they gave Washington and the office of the President
an incredible amount of power.
Once in office, Washington further increased the power held by the President. Despite his
actions Washington was considered the “Father of the Country” by many when he left office in
1796. This has not changed over the years as Historians, without exception, have ranked
George Washington as number one among all American Presidents. Why?
Washington was succeeded by another Federalist, John Adams. Adams served one term but
then was defeated by his close friend Thomas Jefferson in the Election of 1800. This Election
is referred to as the Revolution of 1800, not because of any violence or bloodshed. But rather
for the peaceful transition that occurred from two opposing forces: the Federalists and the
Democratic-Republicans. While the framers of the Constitution had opposed political parties,
now they were accepted as an essential element of the U.S. political system
The next major event of this era is the War of 1812. While there is no clear victor in this
conflict, America is energized after the War. And from the end of the War in 1815 until the
Election of Andrew Jackson in 1828, the nation experiences a dramatic transition—a transition
which brings change to every region in the developing nation.
Text Resources: American Pageant Chapter 10, 11 and 12;
ID’s
The Whiskey Rebellion
Jay’s Treaty (1794)
Pinckney’s Treaty (1795)
The Neutrality Proclamation of 1793
The Alien and Sedition Acts
The Election of 1800 and the 12th Amendment
Undeclared naval War with France, 1798-1800
Hartford Convention
Rush-Bagot Treaty
Panic of 1819
Era of Good Feelings
Henry Clay: American System
Monroe Doctrine (1823)
Genet Affair
Jeffersonian Republicans
Bank of the United States (1791)
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolves
Election of 1800
The Midnight Judges Act of 1801
Election of 1800
Treaty of Ghent
Tariff of 1816
Adams-Onis Treaty
Missouri Compromise (1820)
John Marshall
Tuesday, December 3: Defining the Presidency of George Washington. Was George
Washington the right man in the right place at the right time in American History? What
precedents are set by Washington?
For Wednesday— Research the following events, and briefly explain the significance of each in
shaping or defining the foreign policy of the United States in the early years of the Republic:
a. Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
b. Jay’s Treaty (1794)
c. Washington's Farewell Address (1796)
d. XYZ Affair (1797)
Record these in your notebook and be ready to discuss them in class. For the week: Read pages
190-232.
Wednesday, Dec. 4: We will discuss the principles on which American Foreign policy is based.
We will look at Washington’s ideals which are still cited today. The questions we want to
discuss are: Have we been faithful to Washington’s call for neutrality? No entangling alliances
with foreign powers?
Thursday, Dec. 5: We will discuss the creation of Jeffersonian-Republicans and their
disputes with the Federalists. What factors led to the creation of the first political party’s?
Friday, Dec. 6: We will be able to explain the importance of the Election of 1800; which was
a peaceful revolution! For Monday—Read Madison’s “War Message to Congress” and The
Republic War for Commercial Independence. In your notebook, answer the following questions:
1) How did Madison’s war message contradict Washington’s belief in neutrality?
2) Why is the War of 1812 considered America’s second war for Independence?
Monday, Dec. 9: We will evaluate the Jefferson Presidency and examine the causes of the
War of 1812. For Tuesday: Read pages 228-240
Tuesday, Dec. 10: An evaluation of the effect of the War of 1812 on America. This will
include an analysis of both the short term and long term impact on the young nation Question
for class discussion: Why is the War of 1812 considered America’s Second War of
Independence?
For Wednesday— Study for Quiz on Jefferson. The quiz will include our class notes along with
pages 206-228 in American Pageant
Wednesday, Dec. 11: Quiz on Jefferson. After the quiz we will investigate how early
Supreme Court cases established the powers of the Judicial Branch and its main role in our
government.
Thursday, Dec. 12: Finish work on the Supreme Court. We will research the controversy
behind the Marshall Court and its lasting impact on the country.
Friday, Dec. 13: The time after the War of 1812 created a increased sense of nationalism in
the United States. This became known as “The Era of Good Feelings.” We will investigate the
social, political and economic changes that occurred during this Era.
Monday, Dec. 16: We will continue to discuss this “Era” to include the foreign policy changes
as well. We also want to be able to answer the question “How Good was this time?”
For Tuesday— Study for Test
Tuesday, Dec 17: Test