1 chasing liberty

“The Reign of Terror”

The people rebelled against the upper classes.

The French people were committed to “liberty, fraternity, and equality.”

Thousands were executed.

The executions of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette frightened some governmental figures in the

United States.

Thomas Jefferson said “I would rather see half the world burn than see the French Revolution fail.”

Federalists Anti-Federalists

Opposed it!

Saw it as a democratic revolution gone wrong.

Supported it!

Saw it as an extension of the American Revolution. “Life, Liberty, and the

pursuit of Happiness.”

Upset the monarchy in acceptance of a republican government.

American Reactions

French British

U.S. should not abandon the country that helped us gain our independence.

U.S. should not offend the world’s best army and navy.

From Revolution to War

What should the U.S. do?

In 1793, President Washington issues the Proclamation of Neutrality.• Not taking sides.

Jay’s Treaty

Washington sides with the British.

Chief Justice John Jay went to London to negotiate.1. British will leave their

forts in the Northwest Territory.

2. Increase in trade.

Jay’s Treaty didn’t stop the British Royal Navy from harassing American sailors.

Alexander Hamilton

First Secretary of the Treasury.

Federalist Wanted government

to have more power than the Constitution gave it.

Hamilton

Hamilton’s Plan

Pay off states debts through taxes and tariffs. Tax imported goods.

One centralized Bank of the U.S. National currency backed

by gold

Encourage development of American industries

1st National Bank of the U.S.

A Financial Plan

Foreign creditors and speculators would care more about the U.S.

Why would Hamilton want the national government to acquire

the debts of the states?

A Very Controversial Plan

Hamilton’s National Bank was unconstitutional.

Unfair to states that had already paid their debts.

Money from South going to North…southern states hated that idea.

Why would the Southern states hate Hamilton’s plan?

Lets Make a Deal

Southern states would agree to the plan if the nation’s capital was located in the South.

Congress agrees to place the capital on the Potomac River. Maryland and

Virginia

Potomac River

Hamilton’s Opponents

Many people didn’t like his plan or taxes.

They thought that it was similar to the British tax policy.

Opposed to Hamilton's plan, was Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson

Views of the Constitution

Thomas Jefferson favored Strict Construction – Government shouldn’t do

anything that wasn’t found in the Constitution. Ex: Start a National Bank

Alexander Hamilton favored Loose Construction – The Constitution is just a

framework for government.

A loose constructionist believes that governmental powers don’t

extend past the ink on the Constitution.

Even More Opponents

Pennsylvanians refused Hamilton’s tax on whiskey.

Whiskey was important:1. More efficient to

transport.

2. Didn’t spoil – nutrition

3. Used as a form of currency.

Ain’t givin my muny an wiskie to no

wun.

United States tax collectors would be tarred and feathered for collecting the whiskey tax.

The Whiskey Rebellion

Washington gathered an army of 12,000 men.

These troops were sent to Western Pennsylvania.

The rebellion was crushed.

I will prove that this

Constitution works.

Alexander Hamilton stated that “a government couldn’t exist without first proving itself.”

Federalists Success?

Under George Washington, the Federalists: Made peace with the

British. Made a strong economy. Put-down a major rebellion

Despite the success, there were many critics.

Jeffersonian Republicans

Stood for a more democratic society.

Along with the Federalists, they were the first political parties. Groups that seek to

win governmental elections and control public office.The two major political parties

of today are the Democrats and the Republicans.

George Washington warned of the danger of political parties, and how they would turn the government from a

group of people interested in their nation's future to a mob of power hungry professional politicians.

Farewell Washington

All of the criticism forced Washington, to set a precedent and not to seek a 3rd term. Unwritten rule that

is generationally accepted.

The 22nd Amendment, passed on March 21, 1947, states that a

President can’t serve more than 2 terms.

In 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the only president to be elected to a third term; supporters cited the war in

Europe as a reason for breaking with precedent.