I. The Whiskey Rebellion

I. The Whiskey Rebellion

A. Farmers resisted paying a tax on whiskey. They usually bartered whiskey for goods they needed. They did not have money to pay a tax.

B. When people came to collect the tax in 1794, mobs of people attacked tax collectors and burned buildings.

C. President Washington sent an army to stop the rebellion. His actions showed that the government would use force to maintain the social order.

II. Problems with Europe

A. The French Revolution began in 1789, and in 1793 Britain and France went to war. Washington hoped that the US could remain neutral, but this became difficult.

B. The French tried to get the US to join them. The US refused, but several hundred Americans served on French ships attacking British ships.

C. Washington announced a Proclamation of Neutrality in April 22, that prohibited Americans from fighting the British and would not allow British war ships in American ports.

D. The British began capturing American ships that traded with the French. They also stopped American merchant ships, took their crews, and forced them into the British navy, or impress them.

E. Washington, so as to avoid war with Britain, sent John Jay to negotiate a solution. The US bought a lot of British goods, and they were already at war with France.

F. Jay’s Treaty said that Britain shall

1. Withdraw from American soil

2. Pay damages for ships they seize

3. Allow some American ships to trade with British colonies in the Caribbean.

G. Jay’s Treaty was controversial. Many Americans did not like it because it did not deal with impressment or interference with our trade.

1. The Senate barely approved it, but it did end the crisis.

H. America then signed the Pinckney Treaty with Spain that gave the US access to the Mississippi River port city of New Orleans.

III. Washington’s Farewell Address

A. Washington decided not to run for a third term. This set a precedent for others to follow.

B. Washington was greatly troubled by the divisions in American politics and political parties

C. Washington also warned about the US getting involved in European politics and foreign affairs.

D. His parting words influenced the nation’s foreign policy for more than 100 years.

IV. The First Political PartiesA. Federalists

1. Led by Hamilton2. Believed the wealthy and

educated should lead (New England)

3. Favored strong central government

4. Emphasized manufacturing, shipping and trade

5. Loose Interpretation6. Pro-British (wealthy aristocracy)7. Favored National Bank and

protective tariffs8. Focused on order and stability

B. Democratic Republicans1.Led by Jefferson2. Believed People should have political power (Southerners)3.Favored Strong state governments4.Emphasized farming5.Strict Interpretation6.Pro-French (revolution 1789)7. Opposed National Bank and protective tariffs. 8. Focuses on civil liberties for individuals