APUSH - Lesson 3-9: Washington's Presidency

Summary

George Washington's presidency set key precedents that shaped the future of the United States, from the creation of the Cabinet system to the tradition of two-term presidencies. Washington's leadership navigated both domestic challenges, such as the Whiskey Rebellion and the formation of political parties, and foreign dilemmas like the French Revolution. Despite tensions, Washington’s neutral foreign policy and domestic reforms solidified the young nation's stability. His Farewell Address warned against political parties and foreign entanglements, leaving a lasting impact on American governance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Washington was the first president of the United States, elected unanimously, setting numerous precedents for the office.
• 😀 Washington established the practice of giving an annual address to Congress, which later became the State of the Union.
• 😀 He created the first presidential Cabinet, consisting of key figures like Hamilton (Treasury), Jefferson (State), and Knox (War), though the Cabinet was not officially mandated by the Constitution.
• 😀 Washington's two-term presidency became a precedent that lasted until Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency in the 1930s.
• 😀 Washington supported Alexander Hamilton's economic plan, which aimed to build the U.S. into a manufacturing nation, including a National Bank and protective tariffs.
• 😀 The Whiskey Rebellion highlighted the government's ability to enforce laws, showing the strength of the new Constitution compared to the Articles of Confederation.
• 😀 Tensions between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton led to the creation of America's first political parties: the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
• 😀 The U.S. faced internal and external challenges, including Native American resistance in the Ohio River Valley, leading to the Treaty of Greenville after military defeats.
• 😀 Washington navigated the complicated issue of foreign relations during the French Revolution, prioritizing neutrality but facing pressure from both France and Britain.
• 😀 Washington's Farewell Address warned against political parties, foreign alliances, and sectionalism, setting a tone for future American policy.
• 😀 The Barbary Pirates posed a threat to American trade, leading to the creation of a naval force under the Naval Act of 1794, preparing for the Barbary Wars.

Q & A

Why was George Washington's presidency considered uncontested?

Washington's presidency was considered uncontested because, although the Constitution did not explicitly elect him, everyone understood that he would be the first president. His reputation and leadership during the Revolution made it clear that he was the ideal candidate, with no serious opposition from any state.

What key precedents did Washington set during his presidency?

Washington set several key precedents, including: dressing in civilian clothing to emphasize the president's civilian role, delivering a yearly address to Congress (which became the State of the Union), creating the Cabinet system, limiting presidential terms to two, and establishing the use of a national debt and a National Bank to strengthen the economy.

How did Washington approach the creation of the Cabinet?

Washington created the Cabinet as an informal advisory body, appointing key figures such as Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury, Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, and Henry Knox as Secretary of War. Though not mentioned in the Constitution, the Cabinet became an essential part of presidential governance.

Why did Washington decide to serve a second term despite initially wanting to retire?

Washington initially wanted to retire after one term, but he was persuaded to stay on for a second term, largely due to pressure from political figures like James Madison, who believed his leadership was crucial for the country's stability.

What was the main point of conflict between Hamilton and Jefferson during Washington's presidency?

The main conflict between Hamilton and Jefferson centered on Hamilton's economic plan, which included creating a national bank and assuming state debts. Jefferson opposed the National Bank, arguing that it exceeded the powers granted by the Constitution, while Hamilton believed it was essential for managing the nation's finances.

What was the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion during Washington's presidency?

The Whiskey Rebellion was significant because it tested the federal government's ability to enforce its laws. Farmers in Pennsylvania resisted a whiskey tax, and Washington personally led an army to quell the rebellion, demonstrating the government's power under the new Constitution.

How did the creation of political parties begin during Washington's presidency?

The creation of political parties began as a result of growing divisions within Washington's administration, primarily over Hamilton's economic policies and the foreign policy regarding Britain and France. These divisions led to the formation of the Federalist Party, led by Hamilton, and the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Jefferson.

What was the impact of Jay's Treaty on Washington's administration?

Jay's Treaty, signed with Britain, normalized relations but was controversial. It did not resolve key issues like impressment of American sailors but helped avoid war. The treaty led to significant political division, particularly between Hamilton's Federalists and Jefferson's Democratic-Republicans.

How did Washington handle the French Revolution and the issue of French-American relations?

Washington maintained a policy of neutrality during the French Revolution, resisting pressure to assist France militarily despite the Treaty of Alliance. He sought to avoid entanglement in European conflicts, fearing it would lead to war with Britain, and managed tensions through diplomatic measures like Jay's Treaty.

What advice did Washington give in his Farewell Address?

In his Farewell Address, Washington advised against political partisanship, warned against forming permanent foreign alliances, and urged the nation to avoid sectionalism. He emphasized unity, neutrality, and the importance of preserving the Constitution for future generations.