Focus on the 1790s during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams.
Establishment of political institutions and practices aligning with the Constitution.
Establishment of the Presidential Cabinet
Purpose: Advise the president.
Key Members:
Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State (dealt with foreign affairs).
Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury (handled the economy).
Economic Challenges and Hamilton's Financial Program
Economic Issues:
Post-Revolutionary War debt.
Lack of trade.
Hamilton's Reports: Advocated for financial stability.
Assumption Plan: Federal government to assume state debts.
Benefits:
Freeing up state funds.
Creditors involved in national prosperity.
Strengthened federal government power.
Revenue Raising Measures:
Tariffs on imported goods to encourage American manufacturing.
Excise tax on whiskey.
Creation of the National Bank
Purpose: Stimulate the economy with bank loans.
Controversy:
Jefferson's opposition: Favored agriculture, worried about federal power.
Constitutional debate:
Strict Interpretation: Jefferson's view, not in Article 1, Section 8.
Loose Interpretation: Hamilton's view, supported by the necessary and proper clause (Elastic Clause).
Impact: Led to the formation of the first party system, Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans.
The Whiskey Rebellion
Cause: Excise tax on whiskey.
Response: Farmers in Pennsylvania refused to pay.
Federal Action: Washington led troops to demonstrate federal power.
Foreign Policy Challenges
Pickney's Treaty with Spain:
Secured Mississippi River navigation and trade access.
French Revolution Impact:
Split Washington's cabinet.
Jefferson supported; Hamilton opposed due to trade concerns.
Neutrality Proclamation of 1793: Avoiding European wars.
Issues with Great Britain:
British forts on US soil.
Impressment of US ships and sailors.
Jay's Treaty: Attempt to maintain neutrality but faced criticism.
George Washington's Farewell
Established precedent of a two-term presidency.
Farewell Address:
Advocated national unity.
Warned against political factions and permanent foreign alliances.
John Adams' Presidency
XYZ Affair:
French demand for bribes led to public outrage.
Resulted in the Quasi-War with France.
Conclusion
The lecture covered the formative years of the United States under its first presidents and the constitutional framework, highlighting economic policies, foreign challenges, and the developing political landscape.