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The Election of George Washington
George Washington reluctantly came out of retirement to become the first president of the US. Washington did not pertain to any specific party. He served for two terms, setting the expectation for his antecedents to do the same along with many other precedents. The advice given in his Farewell Address prevented future presidents from getting involved in foreign affairs, and his practice of isolationism gave the country time to establish itself. His presidency set our nation up for success. -
Bill of Rights added to Constitution
With the prodding of the Federalist Party and George Mason, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in the first ten amendments. This declaration of unalienable rights guaranteed Americans basic freedoms that they had been denied under the rule of King George III. These rights included things such as religious freedom, the right to bear arms, freedom of speech and expression, right to a fair trial by jury, and the right to not be searched without a jury- granted warrant. -
Beginning of Federalist Party
The Federalist Party was one of America’s original political parties, and was led by Alexander Hamilton. The Federalist Party was strongest during the later half of George Washington’s presidency, which led to John Adams being elected as the first and last Federalist President. Federalists prefered bankers and businessmen over the common farmer, and believed the country should lie in the hands of the rich and educated. They supported a strong national government. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was an uprising led by farmers in response to the excise tax placed on whiskey. Farmers revolted, tarring and feathering collectors who came to pick up the tax. George Washington responded to this first American crisis by instituting authority, sending out a milita. The significance of this measure is that is proved to Americans that new government was strong, and would not put up with this behavior from its citizens any longer. -
Election of John Adams
John Adams narrowly won the election of 1796, beating the well-known representative from the opposing party, Thomas Jefferson. He is notorious for passing the Alien and Sedition Acts, and possesing strong Federalistic opinions. Just like Washington, he maintained foreign relationships by staying neutral. This was extra important in his presidency due to the fact that French Revolution was going on at the same time. As mentioned before, John Adams was both the first and last Federalist president. -
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair took place between three American diplomats and three British representatives labeled as “X, Y, and Z”. Adams was aiming to smooth over tensions between France and the United States, and sent the three agents to talk it over. On arrival, they were refused an exchange. The minister would not see the men unless the US lent France money to fund their Revolution. This event proved to foreign nations that America was not a country that would tolerate being walked all over. -
Alien Act
This act allowed for anyone deemed “suspicious” to be expelled from the country, believing that there were several citizens posing a threat. The passing of this act proved the fragility of the new nation. -
Sedition Act
The Sedition Act was passed in result of the Americans criticizing the government, and gave out fines and jail time to anybody who spoke or wrote out against the government. Many argued that that act went against the right to free speech granted in the First Amendment. -
Election of Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson became the third president in an incredibly close election between himself and Burr. The electoral college came up with thirty-six ballots in total before the tie was finally broken- Jefferson won by one vote. Jefferson held views opposite to those of his formers, meaning he was a Democratic- Republican. He praised the farmer, and valued physical labor. Jefferson also favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution, so he felt a bit hypocritical making the Louisiana Purchase. -
John Marshall appointed
John Marshall was quickly appointed before John Adams was replaced by Thomas Jefferson in attempt to keep the Supreme Court in the hands of the Federalists. John Marshall served as Adams’ Secretary of State. Marshall served as the Chief Justice in many cases, the most famous ones being Marbury v. Madison, Ogden v. Gibbons, and McCulloch v. Maryland. His decisions are known for favoring the national government, reflecting his views of Federalism. -
Marbury v. Madison
On his last night of being president, John Adams attempted to appoint William Marbury as a Supreme Court justice. Marbury entrusted part of his paperwork to Madison, who never delivered it. Marbury filed a case against him in the Supreme Court. The court agreed with him on the fact that he deserved the appointment, but because he did not first file the case in the lower courts, he ended up being denied. This case is crucial because it led to judicial review, and further balanced out power. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase took place in 1803, and added approximately 828,000,000 square miles of former French territory to the United States. The Louisiana Territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border, doubling the size of the once small republic. This was all during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, and was considered one of his most impressive achievements while in office. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition
After the Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson initiated the exploration of the newly purchased land. He chose Meriwether Lewis and in turn Lewis chose a well respected, co-commanding captain, Clark. Together, the two along with a diverse military undertook a two-year journey. Along the way, the two journaled about all of their discoveries including animals, plants, bodies of water, and weather. -
Embargo Act
The Embargo Act was an American law prohibiting all export of cargo from American ports. This law was made to force Great Britain to replace its restrictions on American trade. This law failed and was repealed in early 1808. The law prohibited American goods from being shipped to foreign ports. -
Election of James Madison
James Madison became the 4th president of the United States by defeating the federalist Charles Pinckney. During his first year as president, the United States experienced trade issues with both Britain and France. This later led to him becoming the first president to ask Congress to declare war in the War of 1812 against Britain. -
Non-Intercource Act
In the last four days of Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, Congress replaced the Embargo Act with the Non-Intercourse Act. The act lifted all embargos on American shipping, other than those bound for Britain or France. The intent of this act was to damage the economy of the United Kingdom and France. -
War of 1812
The United States took on the greatest naval army in the world, Great Britain. The war was caused by Great Britain trying to restrict American trade and the royal navys attempts of impressment of American seamen. Throughout the war the U.S. suffered costly defeats of Great Britain and Canada including the burning of the capital. In the end Americans celebrated this war as a “second war of independance”. -
Election of James Monroe
James Monroe was the 5th president of the United States. He helped the United States very much during his presidency. He oversaw the westward expansion, and strengthened the foreign policy with the Monroe Doctrine. He also aquired Florida during his presidency and dealt with slavery problems. -
Monroe Doctrine
This document forbade European influence in the American hemisphere, strengthening the United States’ foreign policy. The Monroe Doctrine was created with the help of James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. -
Gibbons v. Odgen
Gibbons v. Odgen was a Supreme Court case that held the power to regulate interstate commerce. The cause of the case was when Aaron Odgen filed against Thomas Gibbons for operating on New York state waters. The Supreme Court concluded that congress had National power over states’ interstate commerce. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
McCulloch v. Maryland was a Supreme Court case that established the judicial review. The power of the supreme court was to limit congressional power by limiting legislative powers. -
Beginning of the Democratic-Republican Party
The Democratic-Republican Party was created by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The party stood opposed to the Federalist Party. This party was strongest in the south and weakest in the north. The party was later split after a presidential election to become a Democratic and Republican Party.
