2. John Adams - Background
-Patriot Lawyer who defended British soldiers accused of murder
during the Boston Massacre.
-An ardent supporter of the Declaration of Independence.
-The First Vice-President of the United States, and President of the
Senate.
-As President of the Senate, he cast a record 29 tie-breaking votes.
-Political enemies referred to him as "His Rotundity" because of his
weight.
3. President Adams
-Elected by a narrow 71-68 electoral college vote over Thomas
Jefferson.
-Not really supported by other Federalists, but was considered the
lesser of two evils (the greater being Jefferson).
-Adams was no Washington. While Washington was a quiet, popular
leader who concealed his emotions and was willing to listen to
subordinates, Adams was vain, opinionated, and stubborn. Also
didn't help that he wasn't very physically attractive.
-Many people felt the job seemed bigger than his abilities, although
he was more experienced than Washington in government.
4. Quasi-War with France - XYZ Affair
In 1797, France began seizing American ships as Britain had done earlier.
France's foreign minister asked for $250,000 plus a $10 million loan to France
before he would even discuss halting the seizing of ships. The offer was made
by diplomats Adams identified only as "X" "Y" and "Z."
Adams, despite strong pressure to do so, refused to ask Congress for a
declaration of war, instead moving to strengthen the US Navy by building new
warships, like the USS Constitution.
Adams made a lot of political enemies for refusing to go to war when most
everyone else wanted to.
France and Britain both stopped attacking American ships...for now.
5. Alien and Sedition Acts
Pushed through by Federalists during the tensions over France.
Alien Acts
Gave president the power to expel any foreigner deemed dangerous to
the country. Also made it much more difficult for immigrants to
become citizens.
Sedition Act
Citizens could be fined or jailed for criticizing the government or
elected officials.
6. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Passed by Kentucky and Virginia's legislatures in 1798 and 1799 to
protest the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Stated that each state had the right to determine for itself whether or
not a federal law was constitutional.
Sparked the first of many debates to come over the issue of States'
Rights.
7. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Passed by Kentucky and Virginia's legislatures in 1798 and 1799 to
protest the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Stated that each state had the right to determine for itself whether or
not a federal law was constitutional.
Sparked the first of many debates to come over the issue of States'
Rights.
