Shaping a NEW REPUBLIC [APUSH Review Unit 3 Topic 10 (3.10)] Period 3: 1754-1800

Summary

In this episode of Heimler's History, we explore the early years of the U.S. Constitution under George Washington and John Adams. Washington's establishment of executive departments and Hamilton's controversial National Bank policy are highlighted. Internationally, Washington navigates the French Revolution and British tensions, leading to the Proclamation of Neutrality and Jay's Treaty. Domestically, the Whiskey Rebellion tests the Constitution's strength, and the emergence of the two-party system reflects growing political divisions. Adams' presidency is marked by the XYZ Affair and the contentious Alien and Sedition Acts, setting the stage for Jefferson's election.

Takeaways

• 📜 America's new Constitution was tested during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams.
• 👔 George Washington set the precedent of an executive cabinet to advise him on various national issues.
• 💰 Alexander Hamilton established a National Bank to unify the states and improve U.S. credit, which was controversial but ultimately effective.
• 📄 Hamilton used the 'necessary and proper' clause (the elastic clause) of the Constitution to justify the National Bank.
• 🇫🇷 The French Revolution posed an international challenge for Washington, who declared neutrality despite pressure to aid France.
• ⚖️ Washington sent John Jay to negotiate Jay’s Treaty with Britain, which resolved some conflicts but did not stop the seizure of U.S. ships.
• 🚜 Domestic conflicts like the Whiskey Rebellion showed that the new Constitution allowed for a strong federal response, unlike the Articles of Confederation.
• 🎭 The first U.S. political parties emerged: Federalists led by Hamilton favored strong central government, while Jefferson’s Democratic Republicans championed states’ rights.
• 💼 John Adams faced international conflict, especially with France, and was involved in the XYZ Affair, which further escalated tensions.
• 📜 Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts, provoking outrage for restricting immigrant rights and free speech, leading to the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

Q & A

Who was unanimously elected as the first president of the United States?

George Washington was unanimously elected as the first president of the United States.

What were the executive departments established by George Washington?

George Washington established the Treasury Department, the War Department, the State Department, and the Justice Department, each headed by a secretary.

What significant policy was implemented by Alexander Hamilton as the Secretary of the Treasury?

Alexander Hamilton implemented the establishment of a National Bank to unify the states and improve the credit of the United States.

What was the reasoning behind Hamilton's proposal to absorb state debts into a national debt?

Hamilton proposed to absorb state debts into a national debt to enable the U.S. to borrow money from other nations and increase the dependence of states upon the federal government.

What constitutional clause did Hamilton use to justify the establishment of a national bank?

Hamilton used the 'necessary and proper' clause, also known as the elastic clause, to justify the establishment of a national bank.

What was the Proclamation of Neutrality issued by George Washington in 1793?

The Proclamation of Neutrality was issued by George Washington in 1793 to declare the United States' neutrality in the wars between France and other European nations, especially Britain.

What was the outcome of John Jay's negotiation with Britain, known as Jay's Treaty?

Jay's Treaty did not address the seizure of American ships but did result in Britain agreeing to give up its posts on the western frontier of the American territory.

What were the two most important provisions of the Pinckney Treaty?

The two most important provisions of the Pinckney Treaty were Spain's agreement to let Americans use the port at New Orleans for trade along the Mississippi River and the agreement that the southern border of the United States would fall along the 31st parallel.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 and how was it resolved?

The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 was a tax protest in the aftermath of a federal tax on whiskey. It was resolved when President George Washington led the U.S. Army to suppress the rebellion, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new Constitution.

What were the two main political parties that emerged in the early years of the United States?

The two main political parties that emerged were the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, who favored a strong central government, and the Democratic Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who championed states' rights.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts, and why were they controversial?

The Alien and Sedition Acts were legislation passed by John Adams' administration that allowed the government to imprison or deport non-citizens and made it illegal to criticize the government publicly. They were controversial because they were seen as a gross overreach of federal power and a violation of Constitutional rights.