Washington Adams Jefferson PDF

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Washington's Farewell Address Date: 1796 ● President Washington decided to retire after serving 2 terms (established 2-term tradition for presidents, "silent law") ● His Farewell Address was never delivered orally, but it was printed in newspapers. ● Washington strongly advised against "permanent alliances" like the Franco-American Treaty of 1778 (that was still in effect). He favored "temporary alliances" in the case of emergencies - this would keep the weak nation together (and out of war!) ● Significance: Washington warned against political parties and promoted neutrality, 2 things that would be broken in the future. Washington set a precedent for keeping a strong national government, promoting patriotism, and keeping morality in the government.

A summary of his address: Praises the benefits of the federal government. "The unity of government...is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence...of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." ● Warns against the party system. "It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration....agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one....against another....it opens the door to foreign influence and corruption...thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another." ● Stresses the importance of religion and morality. "Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice?" ● On stable public credit. "...cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible...avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt....it is essential that you...bear in mind, that towards the payments of debts there must be Revenue, that to have Revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised, which are not...inconvenient and unpleasant..." ● Warns against permanent foreign alliances. "It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world..." ● On an over-powerful military establishment. "...avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments, which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty."

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George Washington’s

Farewell Address (1796) Friends and Fellow-Citizens: The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the Executive Government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made....

…[The spirit of political parties] serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another; foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passion. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another. There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume… …The nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur… …Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world, so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it, for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them… …Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love toward it which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the midst of my fellow-citizens the benign influence of good laws under a free government -- the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. Source: h ttp://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm

Questions 1)What made Washington so popular that he was elected president by a unanimous vote of the electoral college? ● During the American Revolution, he led the colonial forces to victory over the British and became a national hero. 2)How many terms did Washington serve? ● Two terms 3)Could he have served more? Why or why not? ● He could have served more but he didn't because Washington feared that if he were to die while in office, Americans would view the presidency as a lifetime appointment. 4)What political party did Washington belong to? ● George Washington is the only President elected as an independent to date. He later returned to the Democratic Party 5) Evaluate the role of political parties in today's national scene. Were Washington's concerns valid for the future of the nation? ● In today's national scene we have 2 major political parties that run everything, Democrat and Republican. Washinton’s concerns were valid and it can be proven by our current situation this day and age. 6)In paragraph one, Washington says that what national event is near at hand?

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Election day

7)In paragraphs two and three, Washington warns against the dangers of political parties. What they pose? Do you agree with him? ●

dangers does he believe

He says that political parties will make the country lose neutrality and will only divide the country even more. I definitely agree with him and we can see it happening now at this moment, we are very close to election day and it is very apparent how divided this country is now.

8)In paragraphs four through seven, Washington warns of “foreign entanglements.” What does this mean, and why was he wary of other nations? Do you agree with him? ●

He also strongly warned against all permanent alliances with foreign nations and said that America should form temporary alliances with foreign nations only in extraordinary emergencies.

9) Are the concerns that Washington had about the nation's foreign affairs still applicable today? Why or why not? ●

His concerns are applicable today because now when every allie gets into a situation USA is forced to also get in it, which is exactly what Washington warned us about.

Washington & Adams Administration Notes

Name Cesar

Washington’s Presidency (1789-1797)

1. Political Parties Emerge (see page 6 for related rap from the musical Hamilton) Topic Leaders

Federalists

Democratic-Republicans

1. Alexander Hamilton

1. Thomas Jefferson

2. Benjamin Franklin View of the Constitution

2. James Madison

Loose Constructionists:

Strict Constructionists:

Prefer weak central government

Prefer stronger central government less states’ rights

more states’ rights Trusts the Constitution;

Trusts the Bill of Rights;

Fears the Bill of Rights

Fears the Constitution

Foreign Policy

Pro-British

Pro-French

Military Policy

Develop large peacetime army & navy

Develop small peacetime army & navy

Largely supported suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion

Largely disgusted by the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion

Economic Policy

Economic style: Wealthy Supported a National Bank Favored High Tariffs Assumption of state debts? Good for country

Economic style: Yeoman Opposed a National Bank Opposed High Tariffs Assumption of state debts? Bad for country

Chief Supporters

Northern Businessman

Skilled workers

Land land Owners

Small Farmers

Location: mostly large businesses

Plantation Owners

View of the People & the Government

Location: mostly Farms & Plantations

2. Domestic Concerns a. Stealing Native American land i. ii.

Battle of Fallen Timbers Treaty of Greenville

3. Foreign Affairs a. Jay’s Treaty: British agree to withdraw from forts in the Ohio River Valley & NW Territory; angers D-R because it says nothing about British seizures of American merchant ships (from Orders in Council) b. Pinckney’s Treaty: negotiated with the Spanish and grants the US access to transfer cargoes in New orleans without paying duties to the spanish government. c. French Revolution: inspired (like Haitian Revolution) by the US Revolution, but quickly devolves in chaos and scares the Americans with its anti-aristocratic nature. d. Proclamation of Neutrality: the US won’t take sides in the war(s) between France & Britains e. Citizen Genêt Affair: US kicks out French representive after he tries to ignore US neutrality & get US citizens involved in France’s war vs. UK f. Farewell Address: warns against European affairs & Political Parties.

Adams’ Presidency (1797-1801)

1. Foreign Affairs a. XYZ Affair: 3 lower level ambassadors tried to extract bribes from the US to begin negotiations to end trading problems.. b. Quasi-War: The name for the undeclared war between the US and France; mostly involved ships and seizing trade bound for British. c. Alien & Sedition Acts: Federalist attempt to weaken their opponents; increased length of residency requirements for voting (since immigrants voted D-R); allowed the president to deport foreigners in time of war; restricted criticism of the president and/or Congress d. Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions: The Democratic-Republican response to the Alien & Sedition Acts; secretly written by John Adams and an example of states’ rights and opposition to the Federalists.

2. The Election of 1800 a. Jefferson vs. Adams, Round 2!

i.

Main Issue: Adams believed in a strong central government whereas Jefferson championed states' rights. John Adams served as the second president of the United States.

b. Midnight Judges: Adams appoints quite a few new judges to the US judiciary at the last minute, including John Marshall. (Leads to Marbury v . Madison) c. Revolution of 1800: first peaceful transfer of the presidential ______________ in US history since the Democratic-Republicans take over from the Federalists; Jefferson’s term to describe how huge this election was [historians: “meh”].

Cabinet Battle #1 - from Hamilton [WASHINGTON] Ladies and gentlemen, you coulda been anywhere in the world tonight, but you’re here with us in New York City. Are you ready for a cabinet meeting??? The issue on the table: Secretary Hamilton’s plan to assume state debt and establish a national bank. Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir [JEFFERSON] ‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ We fought for these ideals; we shouldn’t settle for less These are wise words, enterprising men quote ‘em Don’t act surprised, you guys, cuz I wrote ‘em [JEFFERSON/MADISON] Oww [JEFFERSON] But Hamilton forgets His plan would have the government assume states’ debts Now, place your bets as to who that benefits: The very seat of government where Hamilton sits [HAMILTON] Not true! [JEFFERSON] Ooh, if the shoe fits, wear it If New York’s in debt— Why should Virginia bear it? Uh! Our debts are paid, I’m afraid Don’t tax the South cuz we got it made in the shade In Virginia, we plant seeds in the ground We create. You just wanna move our money around

This financial plan is an outrageous demand And it’s too many dang pages for any man to understand Stand with me in the land of the free And pray to God we never see Hamilton’s candidacy Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky Imagine what gon’ happen when you try to tax our whiskey [CROWD (reacting)] [WASHINGTON] Thank you, Secretary Jefferson Secretary Hamilton, your response [HAMILTON] Thomas. That was a real nice declaration Welcome to the present, we’re running a real nation Would you like to join us, or stay mellow Doin’ whatever the heck it is you do in Monticello? If we assume the debts, the union gets A new line of credit, a financial diuretic How do you not get it? If we’re aggressive and competitive The union gets a boost. You’d rather give it a sedative? A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor Your debts are paid cuz you don’t pay for labor “We plant seeds in the South. We create.” Yeah, keep ranting We know who’s really doing the planting And another thing, Mr. Age of Enlightenment Don’t lecture me about the war, you didn’t fight in it You think I’m frightened of you, man? We almost died in the trench While you were off getting high with the French Thomas Jefferson, always hesitant with the President Reticent—there isn’t a plan he doesn’t jettison

Madison, you’re mad as a hatter, son, take your medicine Dang, you’re in worse shape than the national debt is in Sittin’ there useless as two spits Hey, turn around, bend over, I’ll show you Where my shoe fits.

Practice SAQ 1. Answer a, b, & c. a) Briefly explain ONE foreign policy challenge facing the United States from 1789-1800. b) Briefly explain ONE action taken by the United States government to address the challenge you mentioned in part a. c) Briefly explain ONE controversy caused by the action taken by the United States you mentioned in part a. A foreign policy challenge facing the United States from 1789-1800 was the problems with france. While the partnership among France and the United States (made in 1778) remained in effect, Washington realized his nation was not ready, militarily or strategically, to favor one side in a European war. He gave a decree of impartiality on April 22, 1793. Around then, the French government had sent Edmond Genet as pastor to the United States. An action that was taken by the United States government to address the challenge was that the United States still sent as many troops as they could, they were warned about this duty when having European entanglements but they decided to ignore the farewell address. A controversy that arose from the action taken is that is widely talked about that the solders were not fit enough for war and the US had been nosy for becoming a part of the war....