Chapter 11

Political Developments in the Early Republic

11.1 Introduction
George Washington: first president. Alexander Hamilton: secretary of the treasury. Thomas Jefferson: secretary of the state. Jefferson and Hamilton were political opposites and rivals.

11.2 How Did We Launch the New Government?

What Was the Title Debate? Congress debated on what should be the presidents proper title. Supporters of a strong natl. gov. thought the pres. deserved a royalty-type title. What did they decide on?

How Did They Set Up the Executive Branch?

3 executive depts. were set up. 1. Dept. of State (Jefferson): handles relations w/ other countries. 2. Dept. of War (Knox): to defend the nation. 3. Treasury Dept. (Hamilton): to oversee the nations finances (money). 4. What are all of these guys members of? They were all known as cabinet members.

The Presidents Cabinet

Henry Knox
Secretary of War

Alexander Hamilton
Secretary of the Treasury Federalist: Favored Strong National Government

Thomas Jefferson
Secretary of State Republican: Favored small government w/ limited powers

11.3 What Did Washington Do as President?

What Was the Whiskey Rebellion? The new gov. had no money, so they taxed whiskey and luxury items. Farmers of W. Penn. (who made whiskey) rebelled against the tax. What did they do to tax collectors? These Whiskey Boys tarred and feathered tax collectors.

Whiskey Rebellion Cont.

Washington viewed the rebellion as a threat to the authority of the natl. gov. He sent armed troops (13,000) to crush the rebellion. Whats the difference b/t this and Shays Rebellion?

What Was the French Revolution?

1798, the revolution began. French citizens revolted against their king to build a nation based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. Republicans were thrilled w/ the revolution b/c they saw it as a rise of democracy. Federalist were appalled by it b/c of immense bloodshed of wealthy nobles.

What Was Washingtons Farewell Address?

Washington warned of two main threats in his address: 1. Problems w/ other countries. 2. The spirit of party, which meant to value and maintain a sense of natl unity over loyalty to a political party.

Excerpt from the Farewell Address

The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.

Washington Farewell Cont.

Washingtons accomplishments: 1. Left the nation united. 2. The nation was growing, added 3 new states. 3. Government was up and running.

11.4 What Was Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Party?

His Personal background? Born in the Caribbean and moved to N.Y. as a teenager (no loyalty to any state). Married into a rich, powerful family.

Hamiltons View of Human Nature

Hamilton believed that people were selfish and out for themselves. Did NOT want common people to have too much power.

What Was Their Ideal Form of Gov.?

Federalists believed that the nation should be led by the wealthy and well educated, and that gov. decisions should be made by them. Federalists believed that states rights were not as important as the federal gov.

Well Educated Wealthy

What Was Their Ideal Economy?

Federalists wanted the gov. to promote business, manufacturing, and trade. Hamilton persuaded Congress to establish The Bank of The U.S. Favored a loose interpretation on the Constitution.

Business

Trade

Manufacturing

What Were Relations With Britain and France?

Not very supportive of the French Revolution. Why didnt they support the revolution? In the war b/t France and Britain, Hamilton and Federalists supported Britain.

Loved Britain