Shaping a New Republic (APUSH Period 3 Topic 3.10)

Summary

This video explores the early years of the United States under the Constitution, focusing on key events during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams. It covers the establishment of important precedents, such as the presidential cabinet and Alexander Hamilton's economic policies, including the controversial National Bank. The video also delves into foreign policy issues, like the French Revolution, Jay's Treaty, and the XYZ Affair, which led to growing political divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. It concludes with Washington's Farewell Address and Adams' efforts to maintain American neutrality.

Takeaways

• 📜 The early years under the U.S. Constitution saw significant political developments, particularly under George Washington and John Adams, as key leaders shaped institutions and set precedents.
• 👥 The establishment of the presidential cabinet set a precedent, with Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State (handling foreign affairs) and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury (managing the nation’s finances).
• 💰 Alexander Hamilton's economic plan included assuming state debts from the American Revolution, passing tariffs, and creating a national bank, which sparked opposition from Thomas Jefferson due to constitutional concerns.
• 🏛️ Hamilton’s economic plan led to debates over the scope of federal power, with Jefferson advocating a strict interpretation of the Constitution and Hamilton supporting a loose interpretation.
• 🍾 The Whiskey Rebellion arose in response to an excise tax on whiskey, demonstrating the authority of the new federal government when Washington deployed troops to suppress the revolt.
• ⚔️ Tensions with foreign powers, such as Spain and Great Britain, influenced early U.S. diplomacy, with significant treaties like Pinckney's Treaty (granting U.S. access to the Mississippi River) and Jay’s Treaty (addressing British forts on U.S. soil).
• ⚖️ The French Revolution divided American opinions, with Jefferson supporting the French, while Hamilton opposed their radical actions, leading Washington to issue the Neutrality Proclamation of 1793.
• 🚢 British and French harassment of American ships threatened U.S. neutrality, culminating in the XYZ Affair, where French officials demanded bribes, leading to the Quasi-War with France.
• 🇺🇸 George Washington’s Farewell Address warned against political factions and foreign alliances, setting a precedent for future U.S. policies and establishing the two-term limit for the presidency.
• 🗳️ The era saw the rise of the first party system in the U.S., with Federalists and Democratic-Republicans emerging due to disagreements over the nation’s economic policy and the power of the federal government.

Q & A

What was one significant precedent set by George Washington's administration?

One significant precedent set by George Washington's administration was the establishment of the presidential cabinet, with various executive agencies advising the president.

Who were two key members of Washington's cabinet, and what roles did they serve?

Thomas Jefferson served as Secretary of State, focusing on foreign affairs, and Alexander Hamilton served as Secretary of the Treasury, managing the nation's economy.

What was the main goal of Alexander Hamilton’s Assumption Plan?

The main goal of Alexander Hamilton’s Assumption Plan was for the federal government to assume state debts from the American Revolution, freeing up state funds for business and trade while strengthening the federal government’s power.

How did Hamilton propose to generate revenue for the federal government?

Hamilton proposed to generate revenue through a tariff on imported goods and an excise tax on items such as whiskey.

Why did Thomas Jefferson oppose Hamilton's economic plan?

Thomas Jefferson opposed Hamilton's plan because he believed it favored urban manufacturing interests over agricultural ones and worried about increasing the federal government's power.

What constitutional debate did the creation of the National Bank spark?

The creation of the National Bank sparked a debate over whether it was constitutional. Jefferson argued for a strict interpretation, stating that the Constitution did not explicitly allow for a national bank, while Hamilton advocated for a loose interpretation, using the Necessary and Proper Clause.

What was the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion, and how did Washington respond?

The Whiskey Rebellion was significant because it challenged the federal government’s authority. Washington responded by leading troops to suppress the rebellion, demonstrating the federal government’s power under the new Constitution.

What foreign policy challenge did the United States face regarding Spain and the Mississippi River?

The U.S. faced a challenge when Spain restricted American shipping on the Mississippi River. This was resolved by Pinckney's Treaty, which allowed the U.S. access to the river and the port of New Orleans.

How did the French Revolution affect U.S. foreign policy under George Washington?

The French Revolution divided U.S. political leaders. Jefferson supported the revolution for its Enlightenment ideals, while Hamilton opposed it due to its radical nature. Washington ultimately declared neutrality in 1793.

What was the XYZ Affair, and how did it affect U.S. relations with France?

The XYZ Affair involved French officials demanding bribes from American diplomats to negotiate. This led to outrage in the U.S. and resulted in an undeclared naval conflict known as the Quasi-War between the U.S. and France.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Establishing the Early U.S. Government and Economic Foundations

In this section, the video introduces the early years of the U.S. under the Constitution, particularly during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams. It discusses the formation of key governmental structures, including the presidential cabinet with key figures like Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton’s economic plans are highlighted, such as the Assumption Plan, which centralized state debts, and the establishment of the Bank of the United States to stabilize the nation's finances. The debate between Jefferson and Hamilton regarding federal power and the constitutionality of the national bank reflects the broader conflict between strict and loose interpretations of the Constitution.

05:01

🥃 The Whiskey Rebellion and Growing Divisions in Early America

This paragraph discusses the Whiskey Rebellion, which arose in response to an excise tax on whiskey, part of Hamilton’s financial plan. Farmers in western Pennsylvania refused to pay the tax, leading Washington to demonstrate the power of the federal government by sending troops to quell the revolt. This event contrasts with the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, showing the federal government’s newfound strength. The paragraph also explores how international issues, like Pinckney's Treaty with Spain, helped American trade, and how political disagreements, especially regarding the French Revolution, fueled the rise of political parties.

10:03

⚓ U.S. Neutrality, Jay’s Treaty, and Washington's Farewell

Here, the focus is on the challenges the U.S. faced in maintaining neutrality during conflicts between France and Great Britain. Jay’s Treaty with Britain addressed some issues but failed to stop British harassment of American ships, causing discontent. Washington’s Farewell Address, delivered as he stepped down after two terms, warned against political factions and foreign entanglements, establishing crucial precedents for future U.S. leadership. These developments underlined the growing divide between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

⚔️ John Adams, the XYZ Affair, and the Quasi-War with France

This final section covers John Adams’ presidency, focusing on continued threats to American neutrality as France and Britain seized American ships. The XYZ Affair, in which French officials demanded bribes to start diplomatic negotiations, enraged Americans and led to the Quasi-War, an undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France. The video concludes by setting up the next discussion on the aftermath of the XYZ Affair.

Keywords

💡Presidential Cabinet

The presidential cabinet refers to a group of advisors who assist the President in making decisions. In the video, George Washington establishes this precedent, with Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury. This structure helped solidify executive roles under the new Constitution.

💡Assumption Plan

The Assumption Plan was a proposal by Alexander Hamilton for the federal government to assume the state debts incurred during the American Revolution. The idea was to consolidate the debt at a national level, freeing up state resources for business and trade. It also gave creditors a vested interest in the success of the new nation, reinforcing federal power.

💡National Bank

The National Bank, proposed by Alexander Hamilton, was intended to stabilize the U.S. economy by providing loans to businesses and managing the government's revenue from tariffs and taxes. The bank's creation was controversial, as Thomas Jefferson argued it was unconstitutional. Hamilton justified it through the 'necessary and proper' clause, highlighting different interpretations of the Constitution.

💡Strict Construction

Strict Construction refers to a narrow interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, where the government can only exercise powers explicitly mentioned. Thomas Jefferson and his supporters adhered to this view, opposing the creation of the National Bank because it wasn't explicitly authorized in the Constitution. This view contrasted with Hamilton’s looser interpretation.

💡Loose Construction

Loose Construction is a broader interpretation of the Constitution, allowing for implied powers not explicitly listed. Alexander Hamilton supported this view, arguing that the 'necessary and proper' clause justified the creation of the National Bank, as it was essential for managing the nation's finances. This viewpoint advocated for a strong federal government.

💡Whiskey Rebellion

The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax protest by farmers in western Pennsylvania against an excise tax on whiskey, part of Hamilton’s financial plan. Washington’s decisive action to send federal troops to quell the rebellion demonstrated the power of the new federal government under the Constitution, contrasting with the earlier weakness seen during Shay’s Rebellion.

💡Federalists

The Federalists were a political faction that supported a strong central government and broad interpretation of the Constitution. Leaders like Alexander Hamilton advocated for policies that strengthened federal authority, such as the National Bank and tariffs. The Federalists were opposed by the Democratic-Republicans, who favored states' rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

💡Democratic-Republicans

The Democratic-Republicans were a political party led by Thomas Jefferson that opposed the Federalists. They favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution and a smaller central government, emphasizing agricultural interests over manufacturing. They were critical of policies like the National Bank and supported a more decentralized political structure.

💡Jay's Treaty

Jay's Treaty was an agreement negotiated between the U.S. and Great Britain in 1794 to resolve lingering issues from the Revolutionary War and maintain U.S. neutrality in European conflicts. Although Britain agreed to vacate forts on American soil, the treaty was criticized by Jeffersonians for failing to stop British harassment of American ships. Federalists viewed it as necessary to avoid war.

💡XYZ Affair

The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident in which French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats before negotiations could begin. The scandal outraged the American public and led to the undeclared Quasi-War between the U.S. and France. This event heightened tensions and played a key role in the development of political parties, with the Federalists pushing for stronger defense measures.

Highlights

Introduction to George Washington and John Adams' early presidencies, setting the stage for key political developments.

Establishment of the presidential cabinet by George Washington as a key precedent for future administrations.

Thomas Jefferson, as Secretary of State, focused on foreign affairs, and Alexander Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, handled economic challenges.

Hamilton's Assumption Plan proposed that the federal government assume all state debts from the American Revolution to stabilize the economy.

The plan aimed to increase federal power and give creditors a vested interest in the success of the new nation.

Congress passed tariffs and excise taxes, including a tax on whiskey, to generate revenue for the new government.

The creation of the First Bank of the United States was central to Hamilton's economic vision for national financial stability.

Jefferson's opposition to Hamilton's National Bank plan, arguing it was unconstitutional due to a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Hamilton used the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) to justify the constitutionality of the National Bank.

The first political parties, Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, formed as a result of these economic and constitutional debates.

The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 demonstrated the federal government's ability to enforce laws under the new Constitution, unlike during Shays' Rebellion.

Pinckney's Treaty with Spain allowed the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans, marking a diplomatic success.

The French Revolution split American opinion, with Jefferson supporting the French and Hamilton opposing their radicalism.

Jay's Treaty with Britain failed to fully address British interference with American ships, but it helped maintain neutrality.

George Washington's Farewell Address advised against political factions and permanent foreign alliances, establishing important precedents for future presidents.

Transcripts

what's up beautiful people welcome to

joe's productions in this video we're

going to take a look at the first years

under the constitution and we're going

to take a look at the important events

that took place in the 1790s under

george washington and john adams it is

during george washington and john adams

presidential administrations that

various political leaders created

institutions and precedents that put the

ideas and principles of the constitution

into practice one such precedent is the

establishment of the presidential

cabinet the purpose of the different

executive agencies were to advise the

president washington's cabinet included

thomas jefferson that served as

secretary of the state this position

dealt largely with foreign affairs

another significant figure was alexander

hamilton hamilton served as secretary of

the treasury the job of the treasury

department was to handle the nation's

economy you might recall the economy of

the us was a mess there was debt from

the american revolution and creditors

wanted to get paid back not to mention

there wasn't a lot of trade going on

with other nations in response to the

economic problems facing the nation

hamilton drafted various reports to

congress that outlined his vision for a

economic program that secured the

financial stability and credit of the

new nation in the report on public

credit hamilton advocated that the

federal government should assume all of

the individual state debts from the

american revolution this plan known as

the assumption plan was meant to deal

with the problem you can see in the

graphic there as you can see on the

graphic not only was the national

government in debt but also many states

owed millions of dollars under the

assumption plan the us government would

take on the debt of the states the idea

behind this was that this would free up

state money for business and trade

another perk of this plan was the

creditors or people who are owed money

now have a stake in the success of the

new nation in addition this act would

further reinforce the power of the

federal government something the

federalists like alexander hamilton

truly believed in now this alone would

not fix all of the economic problems so

in addition to the assumption plan

hamilton proposed additional actions to

raise revenue congress passed a tariff

to bring in money a tariff as a tax on

goods imported into the united states

the goal of the tariff was not only to

generate revenue but by making foreign

products imported into the u.s more

expensive the hope was this would help

american manufacturers and an excise tax

on goods such as whiskey was also passed

to generate revenue perhaps the most

important part of hamilton's economic

vision was the creation of a national

bank the idea behind the bank of the

united states was that revenue generated

by the tariff or excise taxes on goods

such as whiskey would be deposited into

the first bank of the united states the

bank of the us would provide loans to

businesses especially those in

manufacturing and industry and the idea

behind all of this bank stuff was that

the money coming in and going out will

stimulate the economy of the new nation

jefferson opposed hamilton's plan which

he felt promoted urban manufacturing

interest over those of the agricultural

interests jefferson also originally

opposed the assumption plan because some

states had already paid off their state

debt and he was worried about a powerful

federal government in addition the

creation of the national bank of the

united states raised constitutional

questions was the creation of the bank

of the u.s constitutional jefferson said

the national bank was unconstitutional

article 1 section 8 of the constitution

lists the enumerated powers of the

legislative branch and nothing in

article 1 section 8 mentions that the

legislature can create a bank jefferson

and his supporters believed in a strict

interpretation or strict construction of

the constitution and what this meant was

the government can only do what is

specifically mentioned in the

constitution since the constitution did

not give congress the explicit power to

create a bank the national government

cannot do it hamilton though argued that

article 1 section 8 provided the

government the power to create a bank he

argued that the national bank was

necessary for dealing with the financial

health of the nation to defend his

position hamilton used what is known as

the necessary and proper clause to

justify creation of the bank of the u.s

also known as the elastic clause this

part of the constitution states that

congress shall have the power to make

all laws which shall be necessary and

proper for carrying into execution the

powers that are enumerated in the

constitution hamilton argued since

congress has the power to tax and

regulate trade it makes sense congress

has the power to create a national bank

hamilton and his supporters believed in

a loose construction this stated the

constitution gave the federal government

broad powers to do what is necessary for

running the country ultimately the bank

issue was important not because of

disagreements over the bank but rather

how different individuals interpret this

new constitution as a result of these

issues the first party system would

develop during the 1790s as

disagreements emerged over the direction

of the new nation's economic policy and

debates about the power of the federal

government the two parties that will

dominate this era will include the

federalists and the democratic

republicans hit pause to get a quick

review of the big ideas we just covered

the whiskey rebellion is another event

that shows the division within the

united states in the 1790s part of

hamilton's financial plan included an

excise tax on whiskey the purpose of

this tax was to generate revenue for the

federal government in response to the

excise tax farmers in western

pennsylvania refused to pay it

federalists see the whiskey rebellion as

a challenge to the authority of the new

federal government and its ability to

govern for some this was giving them

flashbacks to the failure of the

articles in dealing with shae's

rebellion in contrast to shae's

rebellion though during the whiskey

rebellion washington demonstrated the

power of the federal government by

leading thousands of troops to western

pennsylvania to stop the revolt while

critics such as thomas jefferson were

disturbed by the use of force this show

of force demonstrated that this new

federal government under the

constitution would be able to govern

effectively it would not just be

domestic disputes that would help

contribute to the growth of political

parties you may recall under the

articles of confederation the young

republic faced threats from various

foreign nations one challenge occurred

when the u.s sought free navigation of

the mississippi river you may recall

under the articles spain banned american

shipping along the river but a

breakthrough came with picnics treaty

between the u.s and spain the treaty

helped the development of u.s trade

since spain agreed to allow the u.s to

use the mississippi river and the port

of new orleans and made the northern

boundary of florida the 31st parallel

this was a diplomatic win for the young

nation under george washington another

big problem for the young republic was

the french revolution the revolution

presented challenges to the us over

issues of free trade and foreign policy

the overthrow of king louis was

initially supported by many americans

but the reign of terror and france

fighting darn near the rest of europe

made some rethink their support for the

french revolution washington's own

cabinet was split over the french

revolution his secretary of state thomas

jefferson was all about supporting the

french jefferson felt the enlightenment

ideas and the formation of another

republic was a good thing for both

countries not to mention the french

helped us during the american revolution

so it was only fair that we returned the

favor opposition to the french

revolution was led by alexander hamilton

in his mind the revolution was way more

radical than we were comfortable with

you know the reign of terror heads were

being chopped off and starting in 1792

france was fighting most of the

monarchies of europe including great

britain folks like hamilton worried that

this fighting would disrupt trade during

this time france attempted to restart

the franco-american alliance and in

response washington issued the

neutrality proclamation of 1793. in it

he said the us would be neutral and the

rationale was we are a young nation the

last thing we need is getting into one

of europe's wars these challengers

further fueled political disagreements

over the best way to respond to both the

french revolution and the war that

followed while these issues with france

and spain were going on george

washington also had to deal with

estranged former mama great britain as

u.s settlers migrated west beyond the

appalachian mountains they came into

contact with british threats

britain openly defied the peace treaty

of 1783 by maintaining a chain of forts

on u.s soil while there the british sold

firearms to local indian tribes that

would then be used to pose a threat to

american settlers on the frontier the

presence of the british on north

american soil was seen as a threat to

american settlement and peace out in the

west not to mention in the 1790s both

england and france began impressing u.s

ships and sailors neither side liked

that we were neutral and sought to trade

with both countries so they began taking

our ships in semen in the midst of all

this chief justice john jay was sent to

negotiate with great britain to preserve

u.s neutrality and deal with this threat

the result of that meeting was jay's

treaty of 1794 while britain did agree

to leave the forts they occupied on

american soil they don't really do this

in a timely manner and jay's treaty said

nothing about great britain stopping the

harassment of american ships jay's

treaty was celebrated by federalists for

keeping the us neutral but condemned by

many others including the jeffersonians

for not really addressing the problems

between the us and great britain by 1796

george decided to leave the presidency

and in doing so began the tradition of

the farewell address in leaving office

after two terms washington established

another precedent of voluntarily

stepping down from the presidency after

two terms washington felt it was

important to step aside because the

constitution created a republic and

serving too long may seem to like a king

plus he was old and wants to just go and

chill in mount vernon in washington's

farewell address he encouraged national

unity and warned the nation against

political factions and washington also

warned about the dangers of permanent

foreign alliances this tradition of

avoiding entangling alliances with

europe will be followed by subsequent

presidential administrations following

george washington's retirement fellow

federalist john adams is elected

president and like washington adams had

to deal with violations to american

neutrality as both france and great

britain continued to seize american

ships adams wanted to avoid a war with

france and set us diplomats to france to

negotiate however french officials known

as x y and z attempted to get the

americans to bribe them in order to

start negotiations with foreign minister

taliran this incident known as the xyz

affair outraged many americans as a

result an undeclared naval war between

the us and france began known as the

quasi war and in our next video i'll

take a look at what happens after the

xyz affair until next time thanks for

watching have a beautiful day peace