AP/IB American History
Mr. Blackmon
The Washington Administrations
I.
II.
Organization of Washington's Administration
A.
Washington was the unanimous choice
B.
John Adams was his Vice President
C.
Qualities in office
1.
firm
2.
dignified
3.
cautious
4.
deeply aware that he would establish precedents for the future.
5.
Believed that a President should not propose legislation, that he should
stay above specific questions, should use the veto only if a bill were
unconstitutional.
D.
Widespread loyalty to the Constitution could not have been achieved so quickly
had it not been for his extraordinary popularity, rooted in his extraordinary
character.
E.
First Cabinet
1.
Alexandere Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury
2.
Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State
3.
Henry Knox, Secretary of War
4.
Edmund Randolph, Attorney General
5.
Washington instituted the cabinet system and cabinet meetings.
6.
he consulted his cabinet frequently, but he also often involved himself in
administrating, especially in the State Department.
7.
Washington is very unique, to the point of being totally unique in his
willingness to tolerate disparate opinions within his cabinet.
a.
His technique was to allow the cabinet to debate an issue
thoroughly as a means of making up his mind.
b.
He was slow to make a decision (which frustrated Jefferson), but
once he had made a decision, he was immovable.
c.
This is not an indication of obduracy. The fact is that his
judgement was remarkably sound.
d.
I do not know of a single significant error of judgement which
Washington made as President. Considering how severe his
problems were, that is a stunning achievement.
8.
The longer I teach American History, and the more I know of Washington,
the greater my admiration and respect. He is an even greater man than I
was brought up to believe.
9.
Thomas Flexnor is fully justified in entitling his biography, The
Indispensible Man.
The Judiciary Act of 1789
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A.
B.
C.
III.
IV.
V.
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Created 13 district courts
Created 3 circuit courts of appeal
Created 6 Supreme Court Justices
1.
John Jay was the first Chief Justice.
The Bill of Rights
A.
James Madison composed the Bill of Rights, even though he feared that such a
Bill of Rights would effectively limit rights, not protect them.
1.
The Bill of Rights was a condition of ratification in some states. Madison
is fulfilling a promise.
B.
This is not a government class; I will approach them from a historical perspective.
Some of them are more important to this class than others.
1.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law infringing upon freedom
of speech, press, religion, assembly. This is the most basic of all our
rights.
2.
Fourth Amendment: Freedom from unreasonable searches. Note tha
explicit rejection of writs of assistance.
3.
Fifth Amendment: No man may be deprived of life, liberty, or property
without due process. This is next only to the First Amendment in
fundamental importance. No man may be compelled to testify against
himself.
4.
Sixth Amendment: Triai by jury is guaranteed.
5.
Powers not delegated to the federal government, nor denied to the states,
are reserved to the states or to the people.
C.
The Bill of Rights is unlike the English Bill of Rights in that it is more inclusive.
In addition, the English Bill of Rights is an act of Parliament and can therefore be
revoked or modified by Parliament.
Problems Faced by the Federal Government
A.
Collapse of the financial structure
B.
Disruption of commerce as a result of independence
C.
Threat from the British, the Spanish, and the Indians.
Alexander Hamilton
A.
My conviction is that, next to Washington, Hamilton is the greatest of the
Founding Fathers (I am not a great fan of Jefferson).
B.
Much of the following discussion is taken from an article by Saul K. Padover
C.
Of all the outstanding Founding Fathers, Hamilton is the least glorified
1.
Admired conservatives
2.
Attacked by liberals
D.
Contradictions
1.
Lifelong believer in monarchy as the best form of government
a.
Fought for adoption of the federal Constitution
2.
Tended to have contempt for democracy
a.
Gave the Republic devoted support
E.
View of Jefferson in 1818: "Hamilton was, indeed, a singular character. Of
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F.
G.
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acute understanding, disinterested, honest, and honorable in all private
transactions, amiable in society, and duly valuing virtue in private life, yet
so bewitched and perverted by the British example, as to be under
thorough conviction tha5t corruption was essential to the government of a
nation." (246)
Hamilton's reputation as a reactionary derived from a speech at the Constitutional
Convention
1.
Proclaimed that the British monarchical-aristocratic system, because it was
so corrupt, was the "most perfect government which ever existed."
Central to Hamilton's thought was the conception of Man as a corrupt, selfish
animal motivated by the worst passions.
1.
An underlying democratic belief is confidence in the virtue and potential
of Man, especially "perfectibility through education"--Jefferson's firm
belief.
2.
Since human passions were a fact of Nature--which therefore could not be
changed--he believed that one must recognize them as such and harness
them for useful political ends.
3.
"Take mankind in general, they are vicious, their passions may be
operated upon . . . . Take mankind as they are, and what are they
governed by? Their passions. . . . Our prevailing passions are
ambition and interest; and it will ever be the duty of a wise government
to avail itself of the passions, in order to make them subservient to the
public good; for these ever induce us to action."
4.
His generalizations about human nature applied to all men, Hamilton made
distinctions between the "Few" and the "Many" or "the rich, the well-born,
the able" vs. the "masses"
a.
The masses were "turbulent, uncontrollable", driven only by blind
passion, and could not be trusted with the power of government.
They are selfish, but are not capable of exercising enlightened
self-interest.
b.
The few were equally motivated by greed, selfishness, and
self-interest, but had enough sense and education to see that their
best interests lay in using political power responsibly.
(1)
Personally disliked "money men" and was scrupulously
honest in his public affairs; he once denied the allegation
of an improper friendship with a wealthy man (by which he
allegedly was gaining financially) by confessing to having
an affair with the man's wife--thereby admitting a private
vice to protect his reputation for public integrity
c.
Nevertheless thought that the wealthy were "safer" with power.
d.
Believed that their loyalty to the new government would be won
through economic advantages.
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H.
I.
J.
K.
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Hamilton's objectives
1.
"The creation of a unified nation"
a.
Political weakness, local intrigues, and disunity outraged him
2.
"The establishment of a centralized government with power to defend
property and to maintain order in the face of potentially turbulent radical
forces."
Proposals
1.
The rich should be given a "distinct permanent share in government" to
keep future democracy in check
a.
A permanent Senate
b.
Executive for life
(1)
Chosen indirectly by electors from each state
(2)
Chosen from economically superior individuals in the
community
2.
Believed that the public's hostility to class government would diminish
when they saw it would be to their advantage
3.
Masses were never to be totally powerless or voteless
4.
To pacify people, let them elect the lower House
5.
Believed that only the rich would know what was best for the masses,
since the rich had the opportunities to travel and study.
6.
These Hamiltonian ideas--a kind of aristocratic republicanism--was not
acceptable to the Constitutional Convention, and indeed, not acceptable to
Americans as a whole.
Reasons for Hamilton's support for the Constitution
1.
Nothing better offered
2.
Upper classes could still shape it to their advantage
Actions supporting the Constitution
1.
Of the 85 Federalist Papers, Hamilton wrote 51 individually, 3 in
collaboration with Madison, 12 were written either by Madison or
Hamilton
a.
"In its searching and far-ranging analysis of the principles of free
government, as well as of the mechanics of republicanism in
general, The Federalist has probably no equal in any language." (*)
2.
Secured the ratification of the Constitution in the crucial state of New
York (winning over nearly a dozen delegates to obtain a 30-27 vote, the
slimmest of all the states) virtually single-handedly: in Jefferson's words,
he was "a host unto himself."
3.
Served as first Secretary of the Treasury, where he established the fiscal
and economic policies of the United States
a.
Funding of the national debt
b.
Assumption of state debts
c.
Establishment of the Bank of the United States
d.
Proposals for protective tariffs to develop a balanced economy
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4.
VI.
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Demonstrates the ability to rise above personal bias to truly great
statesmanship.
5.
"Hamilton threw himself into the battle for the Constitution not because he
loved republicanism but because he hated anarchy." (*) (emphasis
added)
6.
Hamilton is a deeply committed nationalist
Hamilton's Financial Program
A.
Tariff Act of 1789
1.
Revenue tariff on imports to enable government to pay debts
2.
Discriminatory tariff on foreign tonnage to stimulate U.S. ship-building.
B.
Report on Public Credit
1.
Desired to strengthen government by binding the wealthy to it by their
own self interest.
2.
Desired to secure captital (investment from abroad, especially Holland, in
many cases) for commercial development
a.
U.S. is still critically short of specie
3.
He proposed to "fund" the foreign and domestic federal debt at par (full
face value)
a.
call in all outstanding bonds
b.
issue new bonds at full face value
c.
establish a sinking fund to pay interest and principal off
4.
He proposed to "assume" state debts on the same terms: full face value
(ie. the Assumption Bill)
a.
Benefitted speculators, including a number of members of
Congress. These speculators had bought up outstanding bonds at
bargain prices from the original investors--who might be a patriotic
farmer for whom the investment was a genuine sacrifice--, who had
despaired of ever being paid by the government. The speculator is
thus gambling that the debt will eventually be repaid at a profit to
himself. Only a wealthy man would have the money to invest in
this sort of venture.
b.
Benefitted Northern states in particular because Southern states in
general had already taxed themselves to reduce their debts (4/5 of
Northern debts still unpaid). In effect, Southern taxpayers, who
had already borne the full burden of their own debts, would have to
bear part of the burden of the Northern debts as well, clearly unfair.
c.
Madison suggested a portion go to the original bond-holders.
d.
Hamilton argued that the best way to restore credit is to convince
all investors that all obligations would be paid in full.
e.
Despite the short-term unfairness to original bondholders and to
Southerners, Hamilton is clearly correct. Establishment of
national credit has long-term benefits for all Americans, and is
essential to economic prosperity.
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5.
C.
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Resolution of the fight over assumption of state debts
a.
Hamilton compromises with Jefferson and Madison: they will
support assumption if Hamilton will agree to locate a new capital
in the South (Washington, D.C.)
b.
U.S. quickly achieves highest international credit rating
(1)
One ironic benefit is that our credit rating enabled
Jefferson to purchase Louisiana: they were paid for by
U.S. bonds which Napoleon could cash immediately in
Holland.
Proposal for a National Bank
1.
Advantages
a.
Provide safe storage for government funds
b.
Act as an agent for government collections, expenditures, and
transfers
c.
Issue bank notes to serve as a medium of exchange
2.
Structure
a.
$2 million in capital owned by the government
b.
$8 million in capital owned privately
c.
Proposal especially beneficial for the well-to-do, who could invest,
although ultimately, all Americans would benefit
3.
Jefferson vs Hamilton
a.
Washington asked for opinions as to the constitutionality of a Bank
of the United States
b.
Jefferson's argument:
(1)
-Chartering a bank is not specifically enumerated
(2)
-A bank, while "convenient," is not "necessary"
(3)
-Strict construction: Jefferson contrues the elastic
clause very narrowly, stressing the word "necessary" in the
phrase "necessary and proper"
(4)
-Strict construction is usually used by politicians
who OPPOSE some measure
c.
Hamilton's arguments
(1)
Argues that the bank is covered by the elastic clause
(2)
"Necessary" means "needful, requisite, useful"
(3)
Classic definition of loose construction: ". . . if the end be
clearly comprehended within any of the specified powers,
and, if the measure have an obvious relation to that end,
and is not forbidden . . . it may be deemed to come within
the compass of national authority."
(4)
Loose construction stresses the word "proper" in the
phrase "necessary and proper"
(5)
Loose construction is usually used by politicians who
SUPPORT some measure
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d.
Washington supports Hamilton's view
Evidence of success of Hamilton's plan
a.
Growth in state banks (which, Jefferson feared, would be unable to
compete with the Bank of the United States) from 3 in 1791 to 32
in 1801; financial stability fostered by the Bank of the United
States helped all banks.
D.
Report on Manufactures
1.
Use of tariffs, and subsidies to create a complex, self-sufficient economy
(not unlike aspects of mercantilism)
2.
Program would directly benefit business and commercial interests located
primarily in the North
3.
Farmers in particular would have to foot the bill by paying higher prices
for consumer goods and higher taxes
4.
Program too radical, and was defeated; Hamilton's only defeat
5.
Program resurrected by Henry Clay's "American System" following the
War of 1812, when the wisdom of Hamilton's vision of the American
economy became apparent. Ironically, Hamilton's program here will be
implemented by the Democratic-Republicans.
VII. Foreign Problems
A.
An attempt to retaliate against the British for closing their ports to us was defeated
by Northern merchant interests. It would have placed a discriminatory tonnage
duty on British goods. The fact of the matter is that American merchants wanted
British goods and wanted to trade with Britain. That put us in a relatively poor
bargaining position.
B.
The Wars of the French Revolution
1.
The real problem is the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 and the
ensuing period of almost unremitting war from 1792-1815.
a.
This warfare in Europe is the single fact of life most important to
our foreign policy
2.
The French Revolution is one of the turning points in modern history. It is
obviously also an enormous subject, highly complex, and I certainly
cannot give you a thumbnail sketch that will clarify it. Nevertheless, there
are some concepts you should bear in mind. You need to be able to
visualize what is happening in Europe in order to comprehend our
responses. Please bear in mind, however, that I am grossly simplifying
things.
3.
The conventional date for the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789,
with the storming of the Bastille by the Paris mob.
4.
There was uncertainty as to what shape the new government would take.
There are moderates and radicals within the ranks of the Revolution.
a.
The Girondins in general wanted to construct a constitutional
monarchy on British lines, and represented a more or less
bourgeois revolution.
4.
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b.
c.
The Jacobins were far more radical, and sought a thorough going
social revolution rather than just a political revolutioon; They
sought a republic. Their leaders included:
(1)
Maximilien Robespierre
(2)
Jacques Danton
(3)
Jean-Paul Marat
In 1793, most of the monarchies of Europe declared war on France;
(1)
(2)
C.
D.
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the French Republic was proclaimed;
Louis XVI was beheaded (followed by his Queen, Marie
Antoinette);
(3)
the Girondins were purged by way of the guillotine;
(4)
a Reign of Terror was instituted, coordinated by the
Committee of Public Safety, led by Robespierre, Marat, and
Danton.
(a)
All enemies of the state, including former
aristocrats, or those less radical than the Jacobins,
were executed.
(5)
This police state looks very modern to us, as the full
resources of the state were mobilized to face the threat from
abroad and to impose uniformity from within.
(a)
The French declare a levée en masse,
(b)
French Revolutionary armies take the war to their
enemies, spreading the slogan Liberté, Egalité,
Fraternité.
i)
The French embark on an ideological war of
conquest.
How should the US react?
1.
In general, public opinion was overwhelmingly pro-French, owing to
lingering hostility to Britain from the Revolution, and to sympathy with
the French people and shared republican ideals--the American Revolution
influenced the French Revolution, including providing two leaders,
Thomas Paine and the Marquis de Lafayette, and (more important) both
were influenced by the Enlightenment.
2.
We will see, however, that attitudes towards the French Revolution serve
as a catalyst to help polarize US politics. Domestic and foreign
controversies tend to become entangled, and both help to create modern
political parties. That is why the AP question "There is no US history
apart from European history" is true for this time period.
3.
Was the US obligated under our Trety of Amity of 1778 to support France
and declare war against her enemies?
Proclamation of Neutrality 1793
1.
The entire cabinet believed we should stay neutral. No one thought we
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2.
3.
4.
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should get involved. We were far too weak and our problems far too
serious for entanglement in a general European war.
Alexander Hamilton was horrified by the Reign of Terror
a.
We are talking about 16,000 official public executions by the
guillotine. More were killed in unofficial fighting, particularly in
the Vendee.
b.
Hamilton also felt that England was more dangerous to the US
than France since England possessed a navy.
(1)
Hamilton is clearly correct
c.
Hamilton believed that British commercial interests had more to
offer the US than France
(1)
He is also clearly correct here.
d.
Hamilton admired the British and their government.
e.
He hoped to use the war as an excuse to scrap the French alliance
and win commercial concessions from the British.
f.
Hamilton is a Francophobe and an Anglophile.
Jefferson was very sympathetic to the Revolution ( having seen the ancian
regime as Ambassador to France) despite the Terror.
a.
Jefferson argued that our alliance was with the French people, not
the French monarchy. (He is wrong. All one has to do is read the
treaty; the King of France is mentioned, but not the people or the
nation of France as an entity severed from the King.)
b.
Jefferson is an Anglophobe and a Francophile.
c.
Jefferson wished to play off the British and the French in order to
obtain major concessions from each.
d.
He opposed an actual proclamation of neutrality in order to keep
both sides guessing.
e.
Normally, Jefferson's approach is quite sound, if difficult of
execution, and is the only way a weak nation can make gains at the
expense of more powerful ones. It is the way we gained such a
favorable treaty to end the Revolution.
Washington chose a course that pleased neither man entirely.
a.
The Proclamation of Neutrality is usually thought of as a victory
for Hamilton. That is not true.
b.
The decisions embodied in the Proclamation are in line with views
which Washington held throughout his life.
c.
As we shall see, it differed from the recommendations of both men.
d.
Hamilton drafted the Proclamation. Some historians therefore
jump to conclusions. Some of these people portray poor George
Washington as a puppet in the hands of the Machiavellian
Hamilton. That would be hilarious if it weren't so serious.
e.
Washington was personally grateful to the French for their
assistance in winning American independence.
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f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
E.
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He believed, however, that no alliance was to be trusted beyond
mutual self-interest.
(1)
Washington's undserstanding of power, as Edmund S.
Morgan points out, is profound
(2)
US Presidents, diplomats, and voters would do well to
remember Washington's axiom. We have a naive belief
that words on a papere will ensure solution of a problem,
without looking at the power realities that might underlie
that treaty.
(3)
Washington's greatness in this respect is such that too many
people following after him simply miss the point entirely.
He understood that US involvement in a European war would be a
catastrophe for the US.
He was deeply concerned that pro-French sentiment, which ran
quite high, would lead to spontaneous belligerent actions against
British vessels. He feared that the British would then seize upon
such an incidnet as a pretext for going to war with the US.
Therefore, he chose to issue the Proclamation as a precautionary
measure to defuse a dangerous situation.
The Proclamation does not, in fact, ever use the word "neutrality."
(1)
Diplomatic language, especially in the 18th century, is very
sophisticated indeed. This "old school" diplomacy weighed
every syllable of every word, and read as much into what
was not said as in what was said. Again, in our era, with
our relative carelessness about the precise meaning of
words and of nuances (today, we tend to use
sledgehammers to make our points), this is easy to miss.
(2)
Washington pledged friednly relations with everyone, but
did not pledge "neutrality."
(3)
Washington also pointedly did not repudiate the Treaty of
1778.
(4)
Washington is here laying the groundwork for the direction
of American foreign policy from 1793 to December 7,
1941. It is often spoken of as "isolationism." It would be
better to describe it as "two worlds;" there is a European
world and an American world, and we wish to stand aloof.
(a)
Washington saw that our first priority must be to
build our strength through internal development.
Citizen Genêt
1.
The French representative in the US was Citizen Edmund Genêt, a
Girondin.
2.
Genêt flagrantly violated the Proclamation by recruiting privateers and
granting letters of marque.
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a.
F.
G.
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A privateer is a legalized pirate. A pirate attacks the ships of every
nation, respecting on one's flag. He seizes a ship and cargo, and
sells it for profit.
b.
A privateer differs from a pirate only in that he is authorized to
attack vessels of a specific flag(s). In this case, the French were
authorizing American captains to attack the ships of nations at war
with France.
c.
A Letter of Marque is the legal instrument that defines a privateer.
d.
Privateers were legal. Pirates were not. The penalty for piracy was
death.
e.
No self-respecting pirate would be foolish enough to set sail
without a letter of marque from someone. There was usually a war
going on somewhere, and it was therefore usually possible to carry
a letter of marque. At sea, if there are no surviving witnesses, who
is to say which flag your prize flew???
f.
This is exactly the kind of provocation that Washington wished to
avoid. American privateers attacking British shipping would not
be a minor pretext for a British declaration of war at all.
3.
Washington ordered Genêt to stop.
4.
Genêt foolishly tried to appeal to the people over the head of GeorgeWashington-Father-of-His Country-First-in-War-First-in-Peace-and-Firstin-the-Hearts-of-His-Countrymen.
5.
Washington declared Genêt persona non grata and demanded his
withdrawal.
6.
As a sidelight, in the meantime, the Girondins were overthrown (and
mostly executed) by the Jacobins.
a.
Genêt was ordered arrested upon his return to France.
b.
Genêt was no fool. He applied to Washington for political asylum.
Generously, Washington agreed. Genêt married a wealthy
American widow and lived out his life in comfort in New York.
The Seizure of American Merchant Ships
1.
In their struggle against each other, both the French and the British used
any weapon that came to hand.
2.
The US traded with both nations, particularly with colonies in the West
Indies.
3.
In 1793, the French and the British combined to seize 600 American
merchant vessels--quite a large figure.
4.
In December, British naval officers (who were paid quite handsomely in
prize money, thereby spurring their patriotism on to greater and greater
heights) abruptly seized 250 American ships in West Indian waters
without any prior warning whatever.
Other British Provocations
1.
The British conspired from Florida with the leader of the Creek
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H.
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Confederation, Alexander McGillivray (he was a halfbreed, and that is his
European name) to attack the Southern frontier.
2.
Creek depradations were bitter enough to cause the settlers in Tennesee to
launch their own unauthorized (and unsuccessful) war against the Creeks
in 1793-94.
a.
Don't forget about this when we get to the War of 1812.
b.
We are simultaneously having serious problems with Indians in the
Northwest Territory.
3.
The governor of Canada was actively wooing the Indians of the Northwest
Territory--what is today Ohio, Illinois, Michigan.
a.
These included the Shawnee, the largest and most powerful of the
tribes in the region, as well as the Mingo (a loose confederation of
various tribes) and the Miami (yes, you read that correctly) under
Little Turtle.
b.
The British also began construction of a new fort on what even
they agreed was US territory.
c.
Between 1790 and 1794, the US sent 3 military expeditions into
the region to defeat the Indians. The first two (Harmer in 1790
and St. Clair in 1791) were defeated by Little Turtle. In one
instance, the Indians captured the commanding general of the
American army, and burned him slowly at the stake (they did a few
other things, too, but I do not really need to describe the techniques
Indians used to torture prisoners to death; suffice it to say that they
were very good at it).
d.
In 1794, Washington sent one of his best Revolutionary
commanders, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne.
(1)
Wayne defeated the Indians at the battle of Fallen Timbers
(they made the mistake of standing and fighting a
conventional battle)
(2)
Fallen Timbers resulted in the Treaty of Greenville, which
ceded most of Ohio to the US and forced the Indians to
withdraw.
4.
The cumulative effect of these British provocations was to lead to war
hysteria in the US.
Jay's Treaty
1.
Washington was deeply concerned to defuse the situation with Britain.
The US was in no condition to fight a war with anyone.
2.
Britain's reasons for negotiating with the US
a.
Extensive American debts owed British merchants. If the US and
Britain went to war, the US would repudiate millions of dollars
owed the British.
b.
The British feared an alliance of republics versus monarchies.
(1)
The British want to push as far as they can, but they have
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3.
4.
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no wish to push us too far. They would certainly beat us,
but they have their hands full with the French; why make a
new enemy?
c.
The British knew that they could exploit our weakness and obtain a
favorable treaty.
You will recall from the Treaty of Paris, the Gardoqui Treaty and your
DBQ that Jay was an experienced negotiator.
a.
Jay obtains a British promise to evacuate the military posts in the
Northwest Territory.
(1)
This is really the sole British concession.
(2)
I find it significant that they offer this concession only
when US military power in the person of Mad Anthony
Wayne was present in the region with an army.
b.
Britain would compensate "some" American shipowners (as
determined by British Admiralty Courts).
c.
The British flatly denied the US the right of "Freedom of the
Seas." The US slogan was "Free Ships Make Free Men."
Britain, as the pre-eminent naval power in the world, had no
intention of conceding freedom of the seas, now or ever.
d.
Instead, the US submits to the British "Rule of 1756"
(1)
This rule was intended to stop the re-export trade by
neutrals as a means of avoiding blockade.
(2)
It states that neutral vessels may not trade with a port in
time of war that they are forbidden to trade with in time of
peace.
(3)
Like the British, the French were mercantilist. Technically,
US vessels were not permitted to trade with Saint
Domingue, Martinique, or Guadalupe.
(a)
Of course, in reality, the US trade was a vital cog in
the prosperity of these islands. All of it illegal.
(4)
The Rule of 1756 empowered the British to interdict US
trade with the French West Indies.
e.
The US agrees to pay pre-Revolutionary War debts owed British
merchants by US citizens.
f.
Some US trade with the British West Indies was allowed, but
hedged about with many restrictions.
(1)
The Senate cut this section out. They preferred no trade at
all to the complicated and demeaning restrictions in the
treaty.
g.
Basically, the British took us to the cleaners.
Washington signed the treaty only reluctantly.
a.
The terms were humiliating.
b.
The Senate ratified it by one vote, 20-10.
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c.
d.
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Public outrage was intense.
Washington signed the treaty because his assessment was that it
was the best we could do given the relative power relationship
existing between the US and Great Britain.
(1)
He is correct in that judgement. Washington does not
permit emotion to cloud his judgement.
e.
Washington wishes to give the US time to grow commercially and
to secure its own governmesntal institutions.
5.
Results of Jay's Treaty
a.
There are three very positive results
(1)
War with Britain is avoided.
(a)
This was Washington's primary goal, let us not
forget.
(2)
Trade with Great Britain in fact increased with the
diminution of tension.
(a)
This contributed substantially to Washington's longrange goal.
(3)
It led directly to Pinckney's Treaty, which was unintended.
I.
Pinckney's Treaty 1796
1.
Spain still has disputes with the US over the right of deposit and the
borders of the US along the Southwestern frontier. In addition, they (like
the British) are encouraging Indian attacks along the Southern frontier.
2.
The Spanish are alarmed at Jay's Treaty.
a.
Spain was currently an ally of Great Britain and at war with France.
b.
They had already decided to switch sides and go to war with Great
Britain and ally themselves with France.
c.
They feared that the Jay Treaty masked secret clauses creating an
Anglo-American alliance. Such an alliance would make their hold
on Louisiana untenable.
d.
Therefore, they were eager to reduce friction with the US
3.
Terms of the treaty
a.
The US is granted the right to navigate the Mississippi.
b.
The US is granted the right of deposit at New Orleans
c.
The US interpretation of the border of Florida (along the 31st
parallel) is accepted.
d.
Spain agreed to curb Creek attacks on US settlers.
e.
Please compare the terms of this treaty with the Gardoqui Treaty.
Whiskey Rebellion 1794
A.
Hamilton wanted to obtain revenue for the government and also to place a tax that
would cause frontiersmen to feel the authority of the national government.
B.
The Whiskey Tax was an excise tax on home grown whiskey.
1.
The best way to transport a corn crop was to condense it into whiskey for
sale.
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C.
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Frontiersmen in Pennsylvania rose up in rebellion. These were men who had no
great love for any government.
D.
Hamilton wanted to lead the army in person to suppress it. He had dreams of
military glory and wanted to use the expedition as a springboard for further
political office.
E.
Washington regarded Hamilton like a son, but he over-ruled him here.
1.
Washington would not tolerate another Shays' Rebelllion.
2.
The difference between the Whiskey Rebellion and the Boston Tea Party
is that the Whiskey Tax had been laid on by the duly elected
representatives of th people of Pennsylavia. Against such duly constituted
authority, where the rights of individuals were protected, Washington
would not countenance a refusal to bow to the law.
3.
Washington also had no wish for a civil war, or for bloodshed.
4.
Washington therefore raised an army of 13,000 men (very large in
comparison with the forces he led in battle in the Revolution). In other
words, he mustered overwhelming force.
5.
Washington chose to lead the army in person.
a.
This is not vainglory. Washington was well aware of the respect
and love he commanded. He believed that the frontiersmen,
however angry, would not shoot him.
b.
This is also an example of cold courage. Those men could shoot
the eye out of a squirrel at 50 yards, and kill consistently at 300
yards, where a standard musket was useless beyond 100 yards, and
soldiers did not even bother to aim at 50 yards. Since Washington
made a point of riding in front and in conspicuous uniform, a
single angry man could have killed him easily.
c.
Washington was right. They refused to fire upon him.
d.
The Whiskey Rebellion collapsed without bloodshed, and federal
authority was restored.
e.
Washington pardoned the ringleaders.
6.
Personally, I am filled with admiration at Washington's handling of this
crisis.
National Growth
A.
The American population continued to grow rapidly, and we add states.
1.
The Ohio Valley is opened to settlement by the Trreaty of Greenville
2.
Kentucky is added as a state in 1792, on an equal basis with the original
13, using the procedure laid down by the Northwest Ordinance.
3.
Tennessee is added in 1796.
B.
An irresistable tide of American migration has broken the crest of the
Appalachians and is sweeping west, spearheaded by restless, land-hungry,
individualistic and tough pioneers.
1.
The Indian tribes in their path, among them the Shawnee, the Choctaw, the
Creek, the Sac and Fox, the Pawnee, the Arapahoe, the Kiowa, the Sioux,
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the Cheyenne, the Comanche, Shoshone, the Nez Percé, the Modoc, the
Apache, the Navajo will struggle heroically and tragically.
2.
Against the sheer numbers of the settlers, and against their superior
technology, their struggle is hopeless.
3.
It is a part of our history replete with drama, courage, endurance, suffering,
tragedy, cruelty and nobility. It is an intensely human story. This story
has also entered deeply into the American view of ourselves, into our
mythology, which helps explain who we think we are and what our
deepest values are, and even how others see us (I knew no Germans who
would have recognized a scene from Pickett's Charge, but every child
would understood the symbolism of "High Noon." Reading a cowboy
story in German is quite an experience; ever try to render Western dialect
into German?)
Emergence of Political Parties
A.
The clash between Hamilton and Jefferson, on the assumption bill, the bank, on
policy towards France and England, hastened the development of two distinct
political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, or Republicans
(who are, however, the direct ancestor of the modern Democratic party, a
circumstance deliberately calculated to confuse future history students.)
B.
Thomas Jefferson's View of Man
1.
Man is basically selfish
2.
He believed, however, in his unlimited capacity for improvement.
3.
Looks to the "dictates of reason" as a liberating force
4.
Believed democracy a practical necessity.
5.
Government, at best, is a necessary evil because its actions tend to
limit freedom.
6.
He desired a nation of small, yeoman farmers
a.
Feared the growth of cities as a result of commercial growth
because of its adverse effect on the nation's moral fiber.
b.
At some future date, I hope to develop the
line of anti-urban sentiment that runs
strongly through U.S. history. Jefferson is
an important figure in that ideology, and the
equation of vice with the city is a key
component.
7.
Jefferson is an Anglophobe and a Francophile.
a.
Hamilton, of course, is an Anglophile and a
Francophobe.
8.
Jefferson actively joined the opposition to
Hamilton over the Bank of the US and the Whiskey Tax, which
tended to milk the farmers for the benefit of capitalists.
9.
Joins with James Madison to found the Democratic-Republican
Party.
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Arranges for Philip Freneau to found the National
Gazette as a propaganda arm.
b.
Hamilton counters with John Fenno and The Gazette
of the United States
10. One result of the clash between Jefferson and
Hamilton is that both men agree that the reluctant
Washington must serve a second term.
XI. Federalists and Republicans
A.
The development of parties is the result of the need to
solve national problems on a national level.
B.
Development of parties to provide a mechanism for
nominating candidates
C.
Originally the parties were alliances of local and
state groups
D.
No clear-cut social or economic alignments appeared, although the
Federalists are supposed to represent the wealthy and
commercial interests and the Republicans the artisans
and farmers.
E.
Personal leadership stressed:
1.
Remember: we are an experiment and our survival
is by no means certain
2.
Republicans were accused of desiring a Jacobin
dictatorship of mob rule.
3.
Federalists accused of trying to establish a
monarchy.
4.
Passions became extraordinarily heated.
5.
Even Washington himself came under bitter attack.
He wanted very much to go home to Mount Vernon,
but one of the few things Jefferson and Hamilton
could agree on was the need for Washington to
serve a second term, which he did reluctantly.
6.
After two terms, Washington determined to retire
to private life, thus establishing the two term
precedent in American history, an unwritten rule
that was not violated until 1940, and then only
under the threat of world war.
XII. Washington's Farewell Address
A.
Actually written largely by Hamilton
B.
Has been viewed as an example of a Hamiltonian attack
on Jefferson.
1.
Such a view ignores Washington's habit of
consultation.
2.
Washington's use of independent judgement is also
ignored.
3.
The views expressed by the Farewell Address are
consistent with his lifelong attitudes.
a.
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C.
D.
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Washington warned of the baneful effects of party, or "faction" in the
terminology of the day.
1.
He believed that the nation needed unity above all
else in order to develop our strength.
Washington warned against "permanent alliances" since Americans were
becoming so inflamed that they forget true American interests.
1.
Washington's admonition becomes the most important
influence on US foreign policy until Dec. 7, 1941.
It was a position entirely compatible with our
relative strength and national priorities in 1796.
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Works Cited
Morgan, Edmund S. The Genius of George Washington. New York:
Padover, Saul.
Norton, 1977.
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Works Consulted
Bailey, Thomas A., Kennedy, David M. The American Pageant.
Ed. Lexington, Massachusetts: D.C. Heath, 1983.
7th
Bailyn, Bernard, Dallek, Robert, Davis, David Brion, Donald,
David Herbert, Thomas, John L., Wood, Gordon S. The Great
Republic: A History of the American People. 4th Ed.
Lexington, MA: D.C. Heath and Co., 1992.
Blum, John M., Morgan, Edmund S., McFeely, William S.,
Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M., Stampp, Kenneth M., and
Woodward,C. Vann. The National Experience: A History of
the United States. 6th ed. New York: Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1985.
Boyer, Paul S.; Clark, Clifford Jr.; Kett, Joseph F.; Purvis,
Thomas; Sitkoff, Harvard; Woloch, Nancy. The Enduring
Vision: A History of the American People. New York: D.C.
Heath. 1990.
Current, Richard N., Williams, T. Harry, Freidel, Frank, and
Brinkley, Alan. American History: A Survey. 6th Ed. New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1983.
Garraty, John. The American Nation.
& Row, 1983.
5th Ed.
New York:
Morgan, Edmund S. The Birth of the Republic 1763-89.
Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1977.
Harper
Rev. Ed.
Tindall, George Brown and Shi, David E. America: A Narrative
History. 3rd Ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 1992.