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The French Revolution Begins
The ideals of freedom of speech, assembly, and religion resonated with the French population who opposed the rule of King Louis XVI. The Revolution condemned Christianity and the French declared war on Prussia, Austria, and Great Britain. Americans did not want to get involved. -
The Naturalization Act is Approved
The Federalist majority in Congress approved the Naturalization Act, which raised the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 years to 14 years. It was an attempt to delay immigrants, who tended to support Democratic-Republicans, from voting by postponing their citizenship. -
The Indian Trade and Intercourse Act is Passed
In 1790, Congress passed the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act to regulate relations on the frontier and to ensure fair and equitable dealings. -
The Neutrality Proclamation is Announced
The Neutrality Proclamation declared U.S. neutrality in any conflicts between France and Great Britain. Britain ignored the Neutrality Proclamation and seized American ships heading for France. -
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was an uprising by Western farmers who led protests against the excise tax on whiskey. George Washington called thirteen thousand soldiers to put down the uprising. This extreme use of force against the farmers was seen as excessive by Americans and they became terrified of the administration. -
The Battle of Fallen Timbers
This was a battle at which U.S. General Anthony Wayne won a major victory over a multi-tribe coalition of American Indians in the Northwest territory. -
The Treaty of Greenville Is Signed
The Treaty of Greenville forced the American Indians in the Northwest Territory to cede vast tracts of land to the U.S. It aimed to end hostilities between Americans and Indians. -
The Pinckney Treaty Passes
The Pinckney Treaty was between the United States and Spain. It settled disputes over the boundary of Florida and granted the U.S. rights on the Mississippi River. -
The Jay Treaty Takes Effect
The Jay Treaty required British forces to withdraw from U.S soil. It also required American repayment of debts to British firms and limited trade between the U.S. and British in the West Indies. There was a negative response from the American public due to the American standard of being neutral. -
The XYZ Affairs Take Place
John Adams tried to negotiate compensation for the losses merchants suffered. An American delegation arrived in Paris and three French agents demanded a bribe in order to initiate talks. Adams made public secret correspondence from the French agents, whose names were listed as X, Y, and Z. Americans were outraged at this French insult to US integrity and it became known as the XYZ affairs. -
The Alien and Sedition Acts are Passed
Federalists in Congress passed a series of security acts. The Alien Act (July 6) allowed the president to order imprisonment or deportation of noncitizens, mainly directed at Irish and Scottish dissenters who criticized the pro-British policies in government. The Sedition Act (July 14) outlawed “false, scandalous, or malicious statements against the President or Congress.” These Acts reinforced popular concerns about the power wielded by Federalists. -
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions are Adopted
The Kentucky (November) and Virginia (December) Resolutions condemned the Alien and Sedition Acts as unconstitutional and claimed that states could nullify any federal laws that were unconstitutional. -
Thomas Jefferson is Elected President
The election of 1800 was divided between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. Federalist candidates were John Adams and Charles Cotesworth Pickney. Democratic-Republican candidates were Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Jefferson and Burr had the same number of electoral college votes so the House of Representatives broke the tie and chose Jefferson as president.