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George Washington's PresidencyMr. Arnold8th Grade HumanitiesKIPP Impact Middle School

+Launching the New Government

As you know congress was heavily divided (Federalism and Anti Federalism). Those two sides fought immediately when they were deciding over what the role of their primary leader should be.

Washington wanted it simply to be Mr. President

Within the executive branch there would be 3 different departments: Department of State- handle relations with other countries Department of War- established to defend the nation. Department of the Treasury- set up to oversee the nation’s

finances.

+Department of State

Secretary of State is responsible for foreign affairs…aka talking, negotiating, and dealing with other countries.

Thomas Jefferson served as the first Secretary of State from march 22, 1790 to December 31, 1793.

Jefferson brought remarkable talents to a long career in guiding US affairs.

He successfully balances the countries relatively weak geopolitical position and his fear of expansive federal powers with his desire for expanding US territory.

+Secretary of War

Secretary of War- responsible for all military affairs and defense.

Knox was responsible for managing the nations relations with the Native Americans.

He stated that the Indian nations were sovereign and possessed the land they occupied, and that the federal government should be responsible for dealing with them.

He would then design and implement many small Indian wars to attempt to expand US Territory.

+Secretary of the Treasury

The Secretary of the Treasury is in charge of financial and monetary matters. $$$$$!

By 1789 the US had a huge national debt of about 50 million

The US must pay back debts to gain the respect of other countries

Hamilton's Plan: Bonds- government borrows from its private

citizens and gives them a paper promising to repay the loan at a certain time with interest.

Speculator- person who bought bonds at a low price from people who thought the government would not pay.

+The Whiskey Rebellion

Settlers living west of the Appalachian Mountains were not pleased with high taxes on luxury items like whiskey and carriages.

In 1794 the “Whiskey Boys” tarred and feathered tax collectors who tried to enforce the high taxes.

Washington led 13,000 state militia troops across the mountains to crush the rebels.

Many people saw this action by the government as breaking their personal liberties.

+GW Farewell Address

Nearing the end of Washington's second term, he decided he would not run again.

He reminded Americans “With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have the same common cause fought and triumphed together.”

He warned the people of two things:1. Problems with other countries, he wanted the US to stay

neutral and not involved in foreign affairs.

2. Fighting between political parties would tear the young country apart.