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Lecture 11

John Adams

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The First Peaceful Transfer of Power

The election of 1796

Back then, person with the most votes became president and person with second most became Vice President
Result:

President John Adams (Federalist)
Vice President Thomas Jefferson (Anti-Federalist/Democratic-Republican)

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The Adams Administration - President #2

Washington’s VP - Federalist
The War with France

“Quasi War”

The XYZ affair
The war at home
The Naturalization Act
The Alien Act
The Alien Enemies Act
The Sedition Act

Political philosopher and politician, Adams was the first president to take up residence in the White House, in early 1801.

By the time Adams came into office, the United States was in an undeclared war with France. Over 300 American ships had been plundered by French ships and the United States had broken off diplomatic relations with its former ally. In an effort to prevent a declared war, Adams sent a delegation to France to seek a diplomatic end.

Before the delegation was allowed to meet with their French counterparts, three French officials, whom Adams named X, Y, and Z in his report to Congress, demanded a bribe before they would gain an audience. When this became known in the United States, it was greeted with a cry for war with France. French officials, realizing their mistake, apologized.

To counteract what was conceived of as Republican attempts to undermine his presidency, John Adams signed the following acts, thus committing the greatest mistake of his presidency and thereby dooming his chance for reelection.

The Naturalization Act changed the time period necessary to become a citizen from five to fourteen years of residency.

The Alien Act empowered the presidency with the ability to deport “dangerous” aliens.

The Alien Enemies Act was designed to expel from America enemy aliens at will during a time of war.

The Sedition Act forbade writing, publishing, or speaking ill of the government or its officers.

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The Election of 1800

Republican victory

Burr and Jefferson received equal electoral votes…election thrown into the House of Representatives
Result:

President Thomas Jefferson (Anti-Federalist/Democratic-Republican)
Vice President Aaron Burr (Anti-Federalist/Democratic-Republican)

Famously killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804…replace on the ticket in the next election by George Clinton

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Video Quiz

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