Chapter 11

Political Developments in the Early Republic

11.1 Introduction

• George Washington becomes the first president.• Alexander Hamilton becomes secretary of the treasury.• Thomas Jefferson becomes the secretary of the state.• Jefferson and Hamilton were political opposites and rivals.

11.2 Launching the New Government

The Title Debate• Congress debated on what should be the

president’s proper title.• Supporters of a strong nat’l. gov. thought the

pres. deserved a royalty-type title.

Setting 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 nation’s finances

(money).• They were all known as cabinet members.

11.3 Washington as President

The Whiskey Rebellion• The new gov. had no money, so they placed an excise tax

on whiskey and luxury items.• Farmers of W. Penn. (who made whiskey) rebelled

against the tax.• These “Whiskey Boys” tarred and feathered tax

collectors.

Whiskey Rebellion Cont.

• Washington viewed the rebellion as a threat to the authority of the nat’l. gov.

• He sent armed troops (13,000) to crush the rebellion.

The President’s 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

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 (similar to many Federalists).

Washington’s 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 nat’l 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.

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

11.4 Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Party

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.

Hamilton’s View of Human Nature

• Hamilton believed that people were basically selfish and out for themselves.

• Did not want common people to have too much power.

Best Form of Gov.

• Federalists believed that the nation should be led by, and that gov. decisions should be made by, the wealthy and well educated.

• Federalists believed that states’ rights were not as important as the nat’l. gov.

Ideal Economy

• Federalists wanted the gov. to promote business, manufacturing, and trade..

• Hamilton persuaded Congress to establish The Bank of The U.S.

Relations With Britain and France

• Not very supportive of the French Revolution.• In the war b/t France and Britain, Hamilton

and Federalists supported Britain.