First Three Presidents

What were the domestic issues facing the new nation?

- conflicts over the Ohio River Valley - Whiskey Rebellion - Battle of Fallen Timbers

Why was George Washington unanimously elected?

- from Virginia - family history - military experience - president of constitutional convention - quiet leader - learned from mistakes - educated but not elite

Who was the Secretary of Treasury?

Alexander Hamilton

Who was secretary of state?

Thomas Jefferson

What did George Washington need to do in first term?

establish a government and set precedents

How long did George Washington serve as president? What years?

he served for 2 terms; 1789-1797

What is so incredible about George Washington's elections?

he was unanimously voted for

What was one issue left out in Jay's Treaty?

impressment: the British were taking U.S. sailors captive and forcing them to fight in the British Navy

What was created in result of this?

jays treaty: - British would not trade with Native Americans - America would not get involved with the French

What were problems with the U.S. economy?

lots and lots of debt: - 42.4 million dollars owed to U.S. citizens for fighting in war - 11.7 million dollars owed to other countries - 21.3 million dollars that the sates owed

Why did Washington create a cabinet?

so he could get advice on subjects in which he was not an expert or did not know best

What was another problem with getting involved with the French?

the British hated the French + did not want the U.S. to get involved with the French

What were the foreign problems Washington faced?

the french revolution--> french wanted help to revolt against their monarchy but Washington believed the U.S. was too young, weak, and poor + wanted to remain neutral

What was Hamilton's plan for debt?

the government was going to absorb all of the states' debts + institute tariffs on imports and exports (supported American businesses so that way they can pay taxes too) + create a national bank to loan out money to make money on interest

Why were the Southern States unhappy with this? What was promised to Southern States if they agreed?

the southern states had already worked off their war debt from farming so why would they help the north? how is it fair the north doesn't have to pay their debt? the Southern States agreed after the capital location was moved to a place between Virginia and Maryland

What is a war bond?

when you give the government $ and then 10 years later you get your money back with interest

What were the four main precedents Washington set?

1. cabinet 2. maintain neutrality 3. title of Mr. President (not your highness) 4. did not respond to public attacks

When did Adams run for re-election?

1800

Major Problems in Adams' presidency?

Alien and Sedition Acts + XYZ Affairs

What were the two political parties?

Democratic-Republicans and Federalists

Who was the Attorney General?

Edmund Randolph

What was John Adams political party?

Federalist

Who was the first President of the United States?

George Washington

When did John Adams run for president?

He ran for president in 1796

Who was the secretary of war?

Henry Knox

Who was vice president during George Washington's presidency?

John Adams

What act did Washington pass in his first term?

Judiciary Act in order to set up Judicial Branch

What was Hamilton's financial plan?

Pay off all war debts, raise government revenues (institute tariffs), create a national bank

Who were speculators?

Someone who enters a market to buy and resell at a higher price--> they offered to pay cash for people's war bonds (less than war bond)--> they knew the government would eventually be able to pay them