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Strong Central Government
Political parties began to develop during the struggle over ratification of the federal Constitution of 1787. Friction between these parties increased when attention shifted from the creation of the new federal government; to wondering how powerful that federal government would be. The Northwest Ordinance in 1787 was an act that supported the Federalists. -
French Revolution
A period of social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799. The Revolution was inspired by liberal and radical ideals. Opposed the Revolution and American support for the anti-monarchy group. Supported the popular forces in the French Revolution and favored American assistance. -
Congress Strikes Compromise With Hamilton
During the early stages of U.S. history, Congress made a compromise with Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton had a financial plan, and he wanted the government to pass. The compromise entailed Congress delegating Philadelphia as the temporary capital and the passage of Hamilton's economic plan, Report of Relative to a Provision for the Support of Public Credit. -
Divisive Economic Policy
There was a split on economic policy which led to the creation of the Federalist party and the Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists were pro-British, manufacturing, and centralized government. However, the Democratic-Republicans were pro-French, farming, and a strong state government. Therefore, their oppositions created split parties. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts made it harder for an immigrant to become a citizen, allowing the president to imprison and deport any non-citizens, and criminalized them for making false statements about the government. Federalists were supporters of the act, and wanted to prevent growth of Democratic-Republicans, so they can limit criticism of the Federalist officials. Also they were opposed to an
enlarged army because it portrays as a threat to citizen’s individual liberties. -
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Hartford Convention
The Federalist Party came to an end of the War of 1812 due to the Hartford Convention. New England Federalists faced hostility for continuing to oppose the war once it began. The Hartford Convention was organized by extreme Federalists to discuss a New England Confederacy to ensure their interests, and to discuss other frustrations with the war. It continued from December 15, 1814 to January 15, 1815. Since there were more moderates than secessionists; the final proposals were reasonable. -
End of Federalist Party
The Federalists had their last presidential campaign in 1816, in which they lost to Madison’s Democratic-Republican successor James Monroe.The Democratic-Republican Party grew by the next election and Monroe would win all but one electoral vote by someone who believed Washington should be the only president with a unanimous victory (he voted for John Quincy Adams who was not even running, but who would turn out to be Monroe’s secretary of state).This was the official end to the Federalist Party.
