The Second President• Have you ever wanted to voice your opinion but could not?

________________________________________________________________________2nd President John Adams

- elected 2nd President- 1797- Member of the Federalist Party

Conflict with France• French reject Jay’s Treaty because it favors England• France seize American Ships in West Indies• French Foreign Minister, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand would not deal with the

Americans directly. Instead he sent 3 agents to offer Americans a Deal

The Deal• The agents said that Talleyrand wanted $250,000 for himself and a $10 million

loan to France.• “Not a sixpence” said one American• The French Agents were only known as X, Y, and Z

The XYZ affair of 1789• Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.• Americans willing to spend money for war• Adams tries to avoid war• Adams builds up Navy Frigates (Fast-sailing ships with many guns.

Video• http://goo.gl/SAMfPd

The Federalist Party Splits• Led by Hamilton, many Federalists criticized Adams• They wanted a war.• War would strengthen the Government.• They liked big Government• Napoleon was not interested in a war with America• Adams lost supporters for the election of 1800

1. Alien & Sedition Acts- laws passed by Federalist Congress

results= people could not speak/print against President or Federal government= these would be Unconstitutional today

Videos• http://goo.gl/u2GEFq

2. Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions- states nullify (refuse to accept) the Alien & Sedition Acts

results= John Adams & the Federalists (Congress) are defeated in the election of 1800= Thomas Jefferson (Democratic Republican) wins the election of 1800

Election of 1800• Federalists raised Taxes to prepare for war• Republicans opposed the unpopular Alien and Sedition Acts.• Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr for VP.• John Adams was again named the Federalist candidate

Precedent is set• For the first the President and Vice President are elected as one. The new 12th

amendment changes

The Federalist Era Ends• After 1800, the Federalist party slowly declined.• Won fewer seats in Congress• 1804 – Alexander Hamilton, was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr.• Despite decline, the Federalists did help US• Even Republican Presidents kept most of Hamilton’s economic programs.