George Washington (1st President)
What is Washington known as?
"The Father of Our Country" - first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.
What years did Washington serve?
1789-1797 (2 terms)
How many terms was Washington in office?
2 terms
What did the tariff do?
8% tax on imported goods, it forced people to buy American goods because they wanted to pay less.
Describe Washington's early life.
From Virginia, owned an estate called Mt. Vernon, had no college education, was a surveyor, was part of the French and Indian War
What happened to him during the Revolution?
He became a moderate, he was not a Patriot or a Loyalist
How did Washington become President?
He went to the Constitutional Convention and helped out and then when they figured everything out, the all unanimously agreed that he should be President
What advice did Washington get from Jefferson and Hamilton about getting involved with the French revolution?
Jefferson wanted to help the French, but Hamilton didn't want to get involved because we would lose money
What were the results of the Jay Treaty? Was it popular with the Americans?
John Jay was sent to London, where he made a pact with Britain. Britain would pay back all money lost due to damaged ships and John Jay consented to pay back all pre-revolutionary debts to Britain. Americans were furious at eh treaty because they felt it was a way of "surrendering" to Britain and counterproductive to independence
What was Hamilton's plan with the rich?
Make the wealthy happy so they will spend more money. It will eventually trickle down to the poor.
When and where was Washington inaugurated?
New York City (on wall street) on April 30th, 1789
What party did Washington belong to?
No party, no parties had been created yet
Who was for the tariff?
Northerners, lower class, and Hamilton.
What were the results of the Pinckney Treaty? Was it popular with the Americans?
Pinckney's Treaty was signed with Spain. It gave the US everything we demanded, including free navigation of the Mississippi, the right of deposit in New Orleans, and the territory of Western Florida. The American people loved this treaty.
Everything Washington did was a ___________
Precedent
Who were the members of Washington's cabinet?
Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War: Henry Knox Attorney General: Edmund Randolph
What is the most important Cabinet position and why?
Secretary of the State, because they represent the United States when the President can't be there, like when there are meetings in different countries and such
Describe Martha.
She was fat, had 2 kids before she married Washington- Jacky and Patsy, married into the rich Custis family before marrying Washington, met Washington at a party
Who fought in the Battle of Fallen Timbers? Why did they fight? What were the results of the Treaty of Greenville?
The Battle of Fallen Timbers was a victory by the Legion of the United States led by General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne over a confederacy of Native Americans led by Miami Chief Little Turtle. It was fought over land in Northwest Territory. The Treaty of Greenville gave the US most of present day Indiana and Ohio. The Indians received money, the right to hunt in the lands they had ceded, and recognition of their sovereign status.
What is the Custis-Lee Mansion?
The entrance to Arlington Cemetery,
What was happening in the Northwest Territory?
They were selling plots of land.
What decision did Washington make about US involvement in the French Revolution?
Washington wanted to avoid war at all costs so America decided to remain neutral
Who was Will Fairfax?
Washington's best friend, was married to Sally Fairfax whom Washington loved
Was he a slave owner?
Yes, but he was always very kind to them. He had one slave who was always loyal to him and when the slave became free he asked Washington where he should go and Washington says he can stay with him. The slave is buried next to Washington
Excise tax
a tax on a few domestic items like whiskey
What was the Judiciary Law?
an act that established the Judicial Courts of the United States. It created the entire court system. it organized the supreme court with a chief justice and five associates, as well as federal district and circuit courts, and established the office of attorney general
What does precedent mean?
for the first time
What did Edmund Randolph do as attorney general?
he was the law enforcement officer.
Describe the Federalist party
lead by Hamilton, the rich, conservative, Pro-Britain, limited speech and press, strong navy, powerful central government
Describe the Democratic Republicans
lead by Jefferson, the lower class, more liberal, Pro-French, free speech and press, minimal navy, weak central government
Explain Hamilton's financial plan?
the Federal government would pay off its debts at face value, plus accumulated interest. Established a tariff law and excise tax
What did Hamilton's plan establish?
the first bank. It was called the first national bank. Hamilton gave the bank a twenty year charter.
What does the secretary of state do?
they are in charge of foreign affairs, act as the office of cabinet, and represents the image of the president.