2. 2nd President John Adams
- elected 2nd President
- 1797
- member of the Federalist Party
3. Conflict with France
• French reject Jay’s Treaty because it favors
England
• France seizes American Ships in West Indies
• French Foreign Minister, Charles Maurice de
Talleyrand would not deal with the Americans
directly. Instead he sent 3 agents to offer
Americans a Deal
4. The Deal
• The agents said that Talleyrand wanted
$250,000 for himself and a $10 million loan to
France.
• “Not a sixpence” said one American
• The French Agents were only known as X, Y,
and Z
5. The XYZ affair of 1789
• Millions for defense, but not one cent for
tribute.
• Americans willing to spend money for war
• Adams tries to avoid war
• Adams builds up Navy Frigates (Fast-sailing
ships with many guns.
7. The Federalist Party Splits
• Led by Hamilton, many Federalists criticized
Adams
• They wanted a war.
• War would strengthen the Government.
• They liked big Government
• Napoleon was not interested in a war with
America
• Adams lost supporters for the election of 1800
8. 1. Alien & Sedition Acts
- laws passed by Federalist Congress
results
= people could not speak/print against President or
Federal government
= these would be Unconstitutional today
11. 2. Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
- states nullify (refuse to accept) the Alien &
Sedition Acts
results
= John Adams & the Federalists (Congress) are
defeated in the election of 1800
= Thomas Jefferson (Democratic Republican)
wins the election of 1800
12. Election of 1800
• Federalists raised Taxes to prepare for war
• Republicans opposed the unpopular Alien and
Sedition Acts.
• Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson and
Aaron Burr for VP.
• John Adams was again named the Federalist
candidate
13. Precedent is set
• For the first time the President and Vice
President are elected as one. The new 12th
amendment changes
14. The Federalist Era Ends
• After 1800, the Federalist party slowly
declined.
• Won fewer seats in Congress
• 1804 – Alexander Hamilton, was killed in a
duel with Aaron Burr.
• Despite decline, the Federalists did help US
• Even Republican Presidents kept most of
Hamilton’s economic programs.
15. Exit Ticket
• Tell why the alien and sedition acts are not a
benefit to the United States
• What are some State Rights vs Federal Rights?