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.