Early Presidential Administrations

Precedents and Important Moments in the Early Republic Period (1789-1825)

1. Who were the first 5 presidents of the new United States Republic?

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• What are some major accomplishments of each?

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• If you had to be one of the presidents, which would you choose?

First Presidential Administrations

Unit Objectives:

Explain how actions of early presidential administrations established a strong federal government, provided peaceful transitions of power, and repelled foreign invasion.

• Describe important precedents set by George Washington including: creation of a presidential cabinet,Judiciary Act, the creation of a national bank, and setting limits on terms in office.
• Describe the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion and the Jay treaty and the precedent of neutrality in war.
• Describe contributions of Alexander Hamilton to US economy.
• Describe the characteristics and actions of John Adams presidency including XYZ Affair, Alien and Sedition Acts, Neutrality in War, and the creation of the Navy.
• Describe characteristics and results of the election of 1800.
• Describe the actions of Thomas Jefferson’s administration with emphasis on the Louisiana Purchase
• Explain the significance of the Madison administration with focus on the War of 1812
• Explain the “Era of Good Feelings” and important actions of the Monroe Administration, include the Monroe Doctrine

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The Washington Administration

George Washington

Who was he?

• The first president of the United States of America

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• A former general in the army for the British and for America during the Revolutionary War.

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• He set many precedents as the first president.

I am the precedent president!

Washington’s Cabinet

What was it?

• A cabinet is a group of people chosen by the president to advise and lead departments of government
• Define in Notebook

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Washington’s Cabinet

Who was Chosen?

• Thomas Jefferson
• Secretary of State
• Hendrick Knox
• Secretary of War
• John Adams
• Vice President
• Alexander Hamilton
• Secretary of Treasury

Judiciary Act

A law that established the structure of the Supreme Court and court systems in the United States.

• 1 Chief Justice (John Jay)
• 5 Associate Justices
• Today there are 8 justices

Compromise of 1790

An agreement between Alexander Hamilton (North) and Thomas Jefferson, James Madison (South):

• Federal Government takes control of state debts
• The Capital of the United States is moved to to the South in Washington D.C.

Washington & Hamilton

National Bank

• A bank for all of the United States of America created with the support of Alexander Hamilton.

Significance

• Helped regulate trade
• Helped print money
• Helped pay war debts
• Helped fund an army
• Helped unify the states

Washington’s Precedents

2 Terms as President

• Washington chose to stop being president after 8 years.
• Each term, or time in office lasts 4 years.

Significance

• Presidents now can only serve 2 terms of 4 years.
• Showed that letting go of power was important for the country.

Challenges of his Presidency

The Whiskey Rebellion and Jay Treaty

Quick Write

Reflect on Shays’ Rebellion. How do you think Washington’s administration would have handled this situation? What about the administration and Washington’s precedents makes you say this? What might this suggest about future rebellions?

The Whiskey Rebellion

Whiskey Rebellion

What was it?

• To pay off debt, a tax was put on Whiskey.

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• Farmers in Pennsylvania rebelled against the taxes and took over the local government

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• Washington sent the army and stopped the Rebellion

Significance

• Showed that a stronger central was able to protect the country and enforce the law (compare the Shays’ Rebellion)

Farmers aren’t rebelling against me…

The Jay Treaty

Quick Write

At this point in history, do you believe America was prepared for another war with England? Why or why not?

Impress (v.)

1. To force someone to serve in the Army or Navy.
2. To commandeer goods or equipment for public service.

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Washington’s Challenges

With England

• England was capturing American Soldiers and forcing them to fight in a war against France.

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• Many wanted Washington to go to war with England

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• Washington wanted Neutrality.

Jay Treaty

What was it?

• A agreement with England to stop capturing American sailors.
• John Jay was sent to negotiate, or talk to England.

Significance

• Maintained Neutrality and protected the U.S.
• England left the Northwest Territory in the US.
• Allowed American ships to continue trading in Europe.

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Washington’s Precedents

Neutrality

• To stay out of war and to not choose sides when other countries fight each other.
• Define in Notebook

Significance

• Protected the early country from adding debt and losing of life.
• Allowed the country to build a stronger army and economy

Washington’s Most Significant Moment

What was it?

• In your opinion, what was Washington’s most important precedent? Why?

Response

• Washington’s most significant precedent was ___ because ___; however, _________. Therefore, _________________________.

So many to choose from… Straight Gangsta…

A Two-Party System Develops

Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

Think and Discuss

With groups, discuss what you know about political parties today.

Early Two-Party System

Federalists

• Were led by Hamilton and Adams
• Believed the wealthy and educated should lead
• Favored a strong central government
• Favored a National Bank
• Emphasized manufacturing and trade
• Favored a “LOOSE” interpretation of the constitution
• Pro British

Democratic-Republicans

• Were led by Jefferson and Madison
• Believed people should have the political power
• Favored strong state governments
• Opposed a National Bank
• Emphasized agriculture/ farming
• Favored a “STRICT” interpretation of the constitution
• Pro French

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Think and Discuss

If you lived at the time of the development of the first two political parties, which would you have joined? Why so? (you must select one)

Think and Write

Create your own political party Using the perspectives of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Early Two-Party System

Federalist Arguments

• Why did they hold these views?

D-Republican Arguments

• Why did they hold these views?

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What is the meaning of Washington’s quote about political parties? Based on what you know about political parties today, do you think Washing was right? Why or why not?

The Adams Administration

John Adams

Who was he?

• The second president of the United States of America

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• A lawyer and leader in the American Revolution and Federalist Party.

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• He followed Washington’s precedents of neutrality.

I am the 2nd precedent president!

Adams’ Challenges

With France

• France was angry with America’s Neutrality in war.

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• France thought US should help them because they helped US in Revolution

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• After Jay Treaty, they felt US was on England’s side, and they attacked US merchant ships, as England had done

XYZ Affair

A Struggle for Neutrality

XYZ Affair

With France

• To maintain peace and neutrality, Adams sent three people to meet with the French.

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• The rest is history…

XYZ Affair

What was it?

• Agents of French government demanded a bribe of $250,000 and loan them $3 million to discuss treaty

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• America refused to pay

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• French agents were named X Y and Z

XYZ Affair Effects

Significance

• Many Americans now wanted war with France.

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• Federalists feared that many “aliens”, or non-citizens, would side with the French and work to undermine America.

Alien & Sedition Acts

• Laws which declared:
1. the president could expel any alien, non-citizen, thought to be dangerous to the country.
2. new immigrants had to wait 14 years to gain citizenship
3. citizens could be fined or jailed if they criticized the government

Considering events surrounding the XYZ Affair, were the Alien and Sedition Acts justified?

Final Outcome

Significance

• Though unpopular, Adams maintained neutrality because America was still too weak.

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• US eventually made peace with France and its new leader, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Adams Accomplishments

Creation of Navy

• Adams created the Department of the Navy, an army of ships at sea.

Significance

• America is stronger at sea and can protect itself against the French and English

Adams’ Most Significant Moment

What was it?

• In your opinion, what was Adams most important moment as president? Why?

Response

• In my perspective, Adams’ most important moment was ____. This is because ______.

The Jefferson Administration

Thomas Jefferson

Who was he?

• The third president of the United States of America

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• Author of the Declaration of Independence and leader of Democratic-Republican Party.

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Move aside Mr. Adams!

Quick Write

Think about the political campaign ads that you have seen in the past. How would you describe the ads? How do they often try to make the candidate and their opponent look? What strategies are often used?

Think and Discuss

How do you think political campaign ads from early American Elections compare to modern political ads?

Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson

• In your opinion, what was Adams most important moment as president? Why?

John Adams

• In my perspective, Adams’ most important moment was ____. This is because ______.

Election of 1800

What was it?

• Thomas Jefferson ran for president against John Adams.

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• The campaign was filled with very negative ads about each person.
• Much like today… actually, worse!

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Adams is a blind, bald, crippled, toothless man who wants to start a war with France!

Jefferson is the son of a half-breed squaw raised on hoecakes!

Election of 1800

Outcome and Significance

• Jefferson wins the election

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• First time Power is changed peacefully from one Political Party to another…
• Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.

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Take that Mr. Adams!

You got lucky!

Election of 1800

Outcome and Significance

• A 12th Amendment is added to the Constitution
• Required electors to hold separate votes for president and vice president

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Take that Mr. Adams!

You got lucky!

Think and Discuss

Question

• How would have happened to the country if power was not passed peacefully to Jefferson?
• Response: In my perspective, the country would have _____ because _____________.

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Think and Discuss

Question

• Why might the Election of 1800 have been considered the Revolution of 1800?

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The Jefferson Administration

Key Policies and Precedents

Laissez-Faire

Idea that government should play as small a role as possible in economic affairs and leave people be.

• From French, meaning “leave to do”

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Marbury vs. Madison

A court case in which the Supreme Court ruled against the late appointment of John Adams’ justice William Marbury even though the nomination was withheld by James Madison intentionally and illegally.

• This led to the concept of Judicial Review

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Significance

Judicial Review

• The power of the Supreme court to decide whether laws passed by congress are constitutional and to reject laws that it considered unconstitutional

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Jefferson’s Main Accomplishment

Louisiana Territory

Definition:

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• A large area of land secretly given to France by Spain.

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America in 1802

Louisiana Territory

Louisiana Purchase

What was it?

• When Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from France for only $15 million dollars!

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Merci Beaucoup, France!

Think and Respond

Think about Jefferson’s belief, as a Democratic-Republican, in the role of government.

Was Jefferson justified in making the Louisiana Purchase or not? Explain…

Louisiana Purchase

Significance

• The Louisiana Purchase DOUBLED the size of the United States.

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• Gave the United States many natural resources and Farmland

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• Allowed country to begin expanding West.

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Exit Ticket

Question

• Which president was more important in American History? John Adams or Thomas Jefferson? Why?
• Response: In my perspective, ______ was more important because _______________.

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The choice is obvious…

I am clearly the best option…

Think and Discuss

Question

• Would Jefferson have been able to make the Louisiana Purchase if Adams had gone to war with France?
• Response: In my perspective, Jefferson ___ have been able to make the purchase because ________________.

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Um… sorry?

I think you owe me an apology, sir?

The Madison Administration

James Madison

Who was he?

• The fourth president of the United States of America

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• Considered the “father” of the constitution, Democratic-Republican

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• Ended American neutrality after waging war on England.

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Our pride is at stake in this war!

Nationalism

What was it?

• Pride and devotion toward your country

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War Hawk (n.)

In government, someone who favors war and escalation over other solutions.

• Opposite: Dove

Sovereignty (n.)

What was it?

• The authority of a nation to govern itself freely

War of 1812

What was it?

• A second war between the United States and England.
• Also considered to the
• “2nd War for Independence” or
• “2nd Revolution”

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War of 1812

Causes

• Ban on Trade with England

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• England refused to let American ships trade in Europe… again

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• England, again, began impressing American sailors

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• British were helping Native Americans fight against the United States

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• Nationalism: Americans felt their honor and pride was at stake.

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War of 1812

Effects

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• White House was burned down by British.

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War of 1812

Effects

• Star-spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key after battle in Baltimore.
• After British bombed Ft. McHenry, Key saw US flag still flying.
• Later becomes US National Anthem and is set to music.

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War of 1812

Effects

• Rise in National Pride

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• US earns its sovereignty and new respect worldwide

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War Heroes

Effects

• William Henry Harrison, and Andrew Jackson become war heroes and later became Presidents.

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Exit Ticket

Question

• Many did not agree with Madison’s decision to go to war with England.
• Considering the effects of the War of 1812, do you agree or disagree with Madison’s decision to go to war?
• Response: In my perspective, it was a ____ decision to go to war because __________.

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War of 1812

Effects

• Considered second war for independence.

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• White House was burned down.

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• “Star-spangled Banner” (National Anthem) written after battle in Baltimore.

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• Rise in Nationalism, pride.

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• US earns its sovereignty and new respect world-wide.

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• William Henry Harrison and Andrew Jackson are war heroes and later become presidents.

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Warm Up

Question

• The War of 1812 had many effects. In your opinion, what was the most important effect?
• Response: In my perspective, the most important effect was ____ because ________.

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Effects

• Considered second war for independence.

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• White House was burned down.

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• “Star-spangled Banner” (National Anthem) written after battle in Baltimore.

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• Rise in Nationalism, pride. US earns new respect world-wide.

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• William Henry Harrison and Andrew Jackson are war heroes and later become presidents.

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The Monroe Administration

James Monroe

Who was he?

• The fifth president of the United States of America

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• A Democratic-Republican who created National Unity and brought in the “Era of Good Feelings”

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They call me LLCool J…

Era of Good Feelings

What was it?

• A time of national unity, national pride, and cooperation among Americans.

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• A time that America celebrated its success and “flexed its muscles” to the world!

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Latin America

Context:

• Many countries in Latin America (countries south of the US) won wars of independence from European countries

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• Spain, France, England were kicked out!

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• America worried they would try to “recolonize” these countries…

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Get Out Europe!

James Monroe

Statement:

• When elected President, Monroe said,
• “The Old World (Europe) and the New World (The Americas) were different.”

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Just leave us alone…

Western Hemisphere

Eastern Hemisphere

The Monroe Doctrine

What was it?

• A warning from the US to Europe against colonizing and interfering in the Americas

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Basically, y’all need to stay out of our business… Respect…

The Monroe Doctrine

Key Statements:

1. The US will stay Neutral in European Wars
2. The US will not interfere with countries in the Eastern Hemisphere
3. The Americas are CLOSED to colonization
4. Any attempt to colonize would be considered an act of war!

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Think and Discuss

Question

• How do you think European countries would respond to the Monroe Doctrine? Why?
• Response: I believe European countries will ___ because _____

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We will we do?!

Europe… You shall not pass!

Think and Respond

Question

• Why was the Monroe Doctrine Created?
• Response: The Monroe Doctrine was created in order to _______

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Think and Discuss

Question

• What event from earlier presidents’ administrations made it possible for the US to make the Monroe Doctrine?
• Response: In my opinion ____ allowed the US to make the Monroe Doctrine because _______

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Exit Ticket

Question

• We have now studied important moments of the first five presidents.
• Which president, in your opinion, was the most significant in American History? Why?
• Response: In my opinion ____ was the most important president because __________.

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ME!

ME!

ME!

ME!

ME!