Chapter 7 Lesson 4 John Adam’s Presidency

The Election of 1796: This would be the first time in the nation’s history more than one person would be a candidate for President. The first 2 political parties of the United States were the Federalist Party and the Democratic – Republican Party. Federalist Party wanted a strong federal government and supported industry and trade. The founding father was Alexander Hamilton. Democratic-Republican Party wanted to limit federal government’s power. The leaders were Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Candidates for President were John Adams and Thomas Pinckney for the Federalists and Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr for the Democratic – Republican Party. Differences were based primarily where a person lived. Business people in the cities tended to support the Federalists. Farmers and people who lived in isolated areas supported the Democratic – Republicans. John Adams was elected as President and Thomas Jefferson was the vice president.

A New President: Adams had to win over the American people. Many thought he was cold and distant, but they recognized his hard work, honesty, and intelligence.

The United States and France: Adams wanted to negotiate a trade treaty with France and to rectify the problems between them because of the Neutrality Proclamation of George Washington. 3 diplomats were sent to France to reach a compromise. They were approached by French agents stating Talleyrand would not speak with them. France wanted only accept a treaty with a $250,000 bribe. The French government also wanted a $12 million loan. The diplomats refused these demands. This became known as the XYZ Affair. The public was outraged and wanted to go to war with France.

Preparing for War:

Because Adams feared war, he asked Congress to increase the navy to 30 ships, and the United States should have a peacetime army. Congress agreed. Adams was also worried about the cost of war, so he wanted to reopen the peace talks.

Peace Efforts:

Not to declare war stunned Federalists, but Adams did not change his mind. French and U.S. ships began fighting each other in the Caribbean. The two countries reached an agreement. Adams forced two members to resign from his cabinet for trying to block his peace efforts.

The Alien and Sedition Acts:

Because Democratic – Republicans sympathized with France, the Federalists passed 4 laws known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. They forbade anyone from publishing or voicing criticism of the federal government. This violated the freedom of speech and freedom of press amendments. Jefferson and Madison viewed this as a misuse of the government’s power. They passed the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. These documents argued that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. This was the first time that the states could challenge the federal government.