Crash Course U.S. History: Politics and Conflicts After the Constitution

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: The rise of adversarial politics in the U.S. after the Constitution.

Early Political Conflicts

• Constitution vs. Articles of Confederation

  • Constitution chosen as governing document.

• Hamilton vs. Jefferson: Two visions for America

  • Alexander Hamilton's Vision:
    • Mercantile nation involved in world trade.
    • Manufacturing powerhouse.
    • Strong federal government for infrastructure and patent protection.
    • Governed by elites (Federalist Party).
    • Affiliation with Great Britain.
  • Thomas Jefferson's Vision:
    • Agrarian society with small-scale farmers.
    • Limited international trade and manufacturing.
    • Small, local governments.
    • Distrust of concentrated power (Republican Party/Democratic-Republicans).
    • Favor towards France, especially post-1789.

Democratic Ideals and Free Speech

• Federalists:

  • Feared too much democracy and free speech.

• Democratic-Republicans:

  • Advocated for democracy and free speech.
  • Critiques: Many Republicans, including Jefferson, were slaveholders.

Washington's Presidency

• Set precedents: 2-term limit, civilian president.
• Backed Hamilton's plan for a stronger nation.

Hamilton's 5-Point Plan

1. Establish National Credit: Assume state debts.
2. Create National Debt: Issue bonds.
3. Bank of the United States: Private bank holding public funds.
4. Whiskey Tax: Excise tax on whiskey, controversial among farmers.
5. Encourage Manufacturing: Impose tariffs.

• Republican Opposition: Preferred agrarian economy, strict constitutional interpretation.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

• Western Pennsylvania farmers protested the whiskey tax.
• Washington led troops to put down the rebellion.

Foreign Affairs

• Conflict over France vs. Britain alliances.
• Jay Treaty with Britain: Improved trade, ignored impressment.
• Washington's Policy: Avoid foreign entanglements.

John Adams' Presidency

• VP ended up being Thomas Jefferson, his political opponent.
• Alien and Sedition Acts:
  • Alien Act: Lengthened citizenship process.
  • Sedition Act: Criminalized government criticism.
  • Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: Challenged federal power.

Election of 1800

• Thomas Jefferson's victory didn't settle political struggles.

Conclusion

• Early U.S. political scene:
  • Unsettled, foundational issues around democracy and governance.
• Implications for new democracies.

Production Notes

• Written by Raoul Meyer and John Green.
• Graphics by Thought Café.
• Directed by Stan Muller.

Reminder: Don't forget to be awesome.