Overview
This lecture covers the presidency of John Adams, focusing on political parties, the XYZ Affair, and the Alien and Sedition Acts, highlighting their impact on Adams's legacy and American politics.
John Adams: Background and Presidency
- John Adams was the first vice president and the second president of the United States.
- Unlike George Washington, Adams served only one term as president.
- Adams viewed the presidency as a difficult role that inevitably creates enemies.
Political Parties: Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans
- Adams led the Federalist Party; Thomas Jefferson led the Democratic-Republicans.
- Federalists supported a strong central government, favored factories, and supported Britain.
- Democratic-Republicans supported small government, favored farmers, and supported France.
- Federalists believed only the elite should govern; Democratic-Republicans supported rule by the common man.
- Adams won the election of 1796 narrowly, showing a deeply divided nation despite Washington's warning against parties.
The XYZ Affair
- The French attacked American ships after the U.S. refused to help in their revolution.
- Adams sent diplomats to France, who were asked for a bribe to stop attacks.
- Americans rejected the bribe demands, adopting the slogan "millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute."
- The U.S. built up its navy, renounced its treaty with France, and authorized attacks on French ships.
- Adams ultimately avoided war with France through diplomacy, calling it his greatest presidential accomplishment.
The Alien and Sedition Acts
- Federalists, fearing a loss of power, passed laws to silence opponents and target immigrants.
- The Alien Act allowed the president to deport any foreigner deemed dangerous.
- The Sedition Act made it illegal to criticize the government, president, or Congress.
- These acts aimed to protect the Federalists but backfired, turning public opinion against them.
- The Federalists lost the 1800 election, and the party soon faded from American politics.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Federalist Party — Political party favoring strong central government and elite leadership.
- Democratic-Republican Party — Party supporting small government and rule by common people.
- XYZ Affair — Incident where French officials demanded a bribe from U.S. diplomats, leading to increased tensions.
- Alien Act — Law giving the president authority to deport non-citizens deemed dangerous.
- Sedition Act — Law making it illegal to criticize the government, president, or Congress.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Be able to explain the differences between the first two U.S. political parties.
- Understand the causes and effects of the XYZ Affair.
- Know the content and impact of the Alien and Sedition Acts on U.S. politics.