Adams Administration

Major Problems facing Adams:

Adams tried to maintain Neutrality (Washingtons Policy). 

Problem with Jays Treaty

    France saw it as American Alliance with Great Britain.

    Great Britain saw it as attempt at Neutrality

    Both were angry

Freedom of the Seas:  1797--France captured 300 Am. Ships

What would Adams do?

Quasi War and the XYZ Affair

Adams sent 3 Americans to negotiation with French Prime Minister, Talleyrand--they were:

    Charles Pinckney

    John Marshall

    Elbridge Garry

France Responded with Mr. X, Y, & Z.  Terms were:

Would only let Americans negotiate with Tallyrand if Americans would give Mr. X, Y, &  Z $250,000

When the Americans disagreed--X, Y, & Z stated: 

    Apologize for Jays Treaty

    Loan France money

    Pay $250,000 just to talk to the French

US Citizen and Government were OUTRAGED

Impact of XYZ Affair

Millions for defense, but not one cent for Tribute

Dept. of Navy created: Built

    The USS United States

    The USS Constellation

    The USS Constitution

High Federalist pushing for a declared war

Adams knew victory would assure him a second term.  But he was not willing to gamble the countrys future.

George Washington chosen as Head of Army - he picked Alexander Hamilton as second in command  

Opportunity arose to renegotiate with France

High Federalist still wanted war

Adams threatens to resign....What if?

Federalist did not want that because Jefferson (Dem/Rep) would become president.

U.S. group sent over to meet with Napoleon...He is more concerned with conquering Europe than dealing with US.

France agrees to let America have

           FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

Adams Domestic Policy

New Immigrants were becoming Democratic Republicans.

Federalist passed laws on Naturalization to weaken Dem/Rep

Naturalization Act -- must live in US for 14 years to become citizen  (right to vote).

Alien and Alien Enemy Act -- Right to Expel Aliens.

Sedition Act  -- Fines and imprisonment toward anyone saying False and Malicious against US.

Does this infringe on the Bill or Rights & 1st Amendment?

Many citizens were concerned. It affected Election of 1800!

Election of 1800

Federalist Problems:

   Taxes too High

   Public Angry about Alien Acts

FederalistAdamsPres.

  Pinckney  VP

Dem/RepJefferson   Pres.

  Burr   VP

Jefferson and Burr received equal number of votes.

Sent to House to break the tie.  Federalist wanted Burr

After 35 Votes -- Still tied!

Feb. 17, 1801 -- Jefferson won & becomes President Elect

Jefferson to take office on March 4, 1801

Lame Duck  -- Time period between when a new President is elected and the old President leaves office.

While in Lame Duck, Adams:

Worked to control the Judicial Branch

   Appointed Midnight Judges (16 new Judges -- all Federalist)

   Appointed John Marshall to replace John Jay

By controlling the Federal Courts, all of Adams laws would stay in force.

This Angered Jefferson

Passed the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions which stated:

States had given Federal Government Power

States could take away that Power

Jefferson never attempted to enforce this because of the

Supremacy Clause

However, the South will use the Virginia Resolution when they attempt to leave the Union in the Civil War.