Revolution of 1800

Key Topics

First partisan and contested election in U.S. history
John Adams (Federalist) vs. Thomas Jefferson (Democratic Republican)
- Note: Jeffersonian Republicans are not related to modern Democrats or Republicans
Adams won, but the south supported Jefferson
Constitution didn’t foresee political parties; resulted in Adams as president and Jefferson as vice president
Geographic party bases: Federalists (New England, mid-Atlantic), Democratic Republicans (South)

Written by Washington and Hamilton, warned against partisanship and permanent foreign alliances
- Partisanship could endanger the U.S. and allow foreign influence

Adams' cabinet loyal to Hamilton, creating ideological extremes within the Federalists
Problems with French Directory: End of U.S.-France commercial treaty, seizure of American ships
XYZ Affair: French demanded bribes and loans for negotiations; led to U.S. outrage and anti-French sentiment
Quasi-War with France: Naval conflicts without official war
Expansion of military, provisional army commanded by Washington with Hamilton’s influence
Federalists passed 2-million direct tax of 1798 to fund military

Passed by Federalists, targeted Democratic Republicans and immigrants
Alien Acts:
- President could deport immigrants from enemy nations or suspected of subversion
- Extended residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years
Sedition Act:
- Federal crime to conspire against the government or print anything false/malicious
- Targeted opposition newspapers, not applicable to vice president (Jefferson)
Unconstitutional suppression of free press, mostly targeting Republican editors