Crash Course U.S. History: The Birth of American Politics

Introduction

• Lecturer: John Green
• Focus: The birth of American politics post-Constitution.

Key Conflict

• After the Constitution's passage, debate arose over the type of country America should become.
• Two main figures in this debate: Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

Alexander Hamilton's Vision

• Background: Served as Washington's aide and first Secretary of Treasury.
• Ideas:
  • Advocate for a mercantile and manufacturing nation.
  • Proposed turning Patterson, New Jersey into a manufacturing hub (failed).
  • Supported a strong central government to build infrastructure and protect patents.
  • Believed America should be governed by the elite (Federalist Party).
  • Favored strong ties with Great Britain.

Thomas Jefferson's Vision

• Background: Anti-Federalist sympathizer, favored agrarian America.
• Ideas:
  • Predominantly agrarian society with small-scale farmers producing for local markets.
  • Opposed international trade and manufacturing.
  • Advocated for a small government reflecting local needs.
  • Believed in the democratic ability of the masses and distrusted concentrated power.
  • Preferred France over Britain, especially after the French Revolution.

Political Dynamics

• Jefferson and Republicans advocated for more democracy and free speech.
• Federalists viewed excessive free speech as a threat.
• Contradictions: Many Republicans, including Jefferson, were slaveholders.

George Washington's Presidency

• Uncontested election; set important precedents, including the two-term limit.
• Backed Hamilton's economic plans despite not being a Federalist himself.

Hamilton's Five-Point Plan

1. Establish Creditworthiness: Assume state debts from the war.
2. Create a National Debt: Issue interest-bearing bonds.
3. Establish a Bank of the United States: Private bank holding public funds and issuing notes.
4. Whiskey Tax: Raise funds through an excise tax, upsetting small farmers.
5. Encourage Manufacturing: Impose tariffs to protect domestic industries.

Republican Response

• Republicans (mainly from the South) compromised on Hamilton's plan for a permanent capital in the South.
• Criticized Hamilton's plan as unconstitutional (strict construction).

Whiskey Rebellion

• 1794 uprising in Pennsylvania against the whiskey tax.
• Washington led troops to suppress the rebellion, establishing a precedent for federal response.

Foreign Relations Issues

• Hamilton favored ties with Britain, while Jeffersonians supported France.
• The Jay Treaty: Addressed trade relations but ignored impressment of American sailors.

Washington's Disillusionment

• Warned against political parties and foreign influences, emphasizing unity among Americans.

John Adams' Presidency

• Struggles with foreign relations, particularly with France, leading to the Quasi-War.
• The XYZ Affair: Bribery scandal that heightened anti-French sentiment.
• Alien and Sedition Acts: Restricted immigration and made it illegal to criticize the government.
  • Provoked backlash from Virginia and Kentucky, advocating for state rights and nullification.

Conclusion

• The political landscape was tumultuous and unsettled in the early years of America.
• The election of Jefferson in 1800 did not resolve underlying issues of democracy and governance.

Authorship of the Mystery Document

• Quote on equality highlights the spread of ideas of liberty and equality.
• Guessing author: Judith Sargent Murray.

Final Notes

• Importance of understanding the early political framework in the context of modern democracy.
• Reminder to engage thoughtfully with historical questions.