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Election of John Adams (VUS.6a)
The candidate who won the most electoral votes, in this case Adams, was to become President. The man with the second most votes, in this case Jefferson, became the Vice-President. This will be the first – and only – elected Federalist President. This election marked the beginning of political parties in Presidential Elections! MORE -
Inauguration of John Adams
John Adams was officially sworn in as the second President of the United States after serving as George Washington’s Vice-President. You can read his address HERE. -
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Presidency of John Adams
In spite of intensifying desire for war with France during this administration, John Adams was able to avoid a challenge the young nations was ill-prepared for. His administration is considered controversial – but worthy of study and interpretation. OVERVIEW -
XYZ Affair (VUS.6a)
Adams sent 3 prominent Americans (Charles Pinckney, John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry) to negotiate with France regarding increased hostilities. Three French representatives demanded a significant bribe to begin the talks – we refused. This ignited further disgust with the French by many Americans – who began wishing for WAR! MORE -
Alien and Sedition Acts (VUS.6a)
A series of 4 laws (The Naturalization Act to make it more difficult to become a citizen, the Alien Act and the Alien Enemies Act which authorized the president to remove unwanted aliens, and the Sedition Act which made it illegal to criticize the government) passed in response to anti-French sentiment… MORE -
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Undeclared War with France (VUS.6a)
Tensions rose between the United States and France. Going back to the Jay Treaty, the rift became extreme and resulted in naval flare-ups and restraints of trade. It finally ended with the Treaty of Mortefontaine. Adams went to great lengths to keep The United States out of an all out war! Read MORE -
Gabriel’s Rebellion (VUS.6e)
Inspired by the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, Gabriel – a skilled artisan slave - planned a slave revolt in Virginia. Due to bad weather and a “traitor” within the well-developed plan, the revolt failed before it ever started. News of this event caused fear among white people in the South, and brought more strict rules regarding slaves. Learn MORE -
Adams moves into the White House
At the end of his term, John Adams became the first president to live in the White House, as the capital had been moved from New York to the newly created Washington, D.C. MORE -
Appointment of John Marshall to Supreme Court (VUS.5e)
John Adams’ appointment of John Marshall as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court went a long way to secure posterity for Federalist ideals. Marshall’s decisions would help strengthen the power of national government and define the judicial branch as “co-equal”. -
Judiciary Act of 1801 (VUS.5e)
This act was an effort by the Federalists to retain power in the judicial branch after losing elections to the opposing political party, the Democratic-Republicans. This act spawned the multitude of “midnight appointments” by John Adams, which culminated in the court case Marbury v. Madison.
