Heimler’s History: Unit 3 - The Early Republic

Introduction

• Focus on how the U.S. Constitution was implemented during George Washington and John Adams' presidencies.
• Overview of previous topics: ratification and content of the Constitution.

George Washington’s Presidency

Establishment of Executive Departments

• Washington elected as the first president.
• Created executive departments: Treasury, War, State, and Justice.
• Departments headed by secretaries forming the President's Cabinet.

Alexander Hamilton’s Policies

• National Bank
  • Aim: unify states and improve U.S. credit.
  • Strategy: absorb state debts from the Revolutionary War into national debt.
  • Controversy: Constitutional legitimacy questioned; Hamilton used "necessary and proper" clause.
  • Outcome: Stabilized national economy.

Foreign Policy

• French Revolution
  • Issue: Whether to aid France in European conflicts.
  • Washington's stance: Issued Proclamation of Neutrality (1793).
  • Edmond Genet controversy: Attempted to rally U.S. public for French support; became U.S. citizen.
• Jay’s Treaty
  • Goal: Address British seizure of U.S. ships.
  • Outcome: British agreed to leave western frontier posts.

Domestic Issues

• Pinckney Treaty (1795)
  • U.S. gained navigation rights on the Mississippi; southern boundary set at 31st parallel.
• Westward Expansion and Native American Conflict
  • Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794): U.S. Army defeated Native American tribes.
  • Result: Opened Ohio Valley for settlement.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

• Hamilton's whiskey tax opposed by western farmers.
• Washington's response: Deployed U.S. Army to quell rebellion, demonstrating federal authority.

Political Rivalries and Party System

• Emergence of political parties:
  • Federalists: Led by Hamilton; supported strong central government, urban interests.
  • Democratic Republicans: Led by Jefferson and Madison; advocated states rights, rural interests.
• Washington’s Farewell Address
  • Warned against political factions and European alliances.

John Adams’ Presidency

Foreign Policy Challenges

• XYZ Affair
  • French seizure of American ships; diplomatic scandal involving bribe demands.

Alien and Sedition Acts

• Alien Acts: Targeted Irish and Scottish immigrants.
• Sedition Acts: Criminalized government criticism.
  • Democratic Republican response: Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions advocating for states’ rights to nullify federal laws.

Election of 1800

• Adams not re-elected due to unpopular policies.
• Thomas Jefferson became the next president.

Conclusion

• Summary of key events relevant to Unit 3 Topic 10 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• Encouragement to subscribe for further study resources.