Exam II - Essay II

Question 1

Thesis to the Q: What were the fundamental issues and events which resulted in the development of political parties 1800-1840?

Answer 1

There were a number of fundamental issues and events which resulted in the development of political parties in the United States. Some key features which led to a strong divide among the national politically were the disagreeances on economic action by the government and political action by leaders. This divide became present with the weak financial system before the Revolution of 1800 and the public’s reaction to the XYZ Affairs, as well as other issues and events during this time period.

Question 2

Name the federalists’ leader, who they appealed to, ideas of government, and domestic policy

Answer 2

Leader: Alexander Hamilton
Appealed to: Merchants, wealthy, education, city folks
Ideas of Government:
-strong central government (to direct economy
-loose construction of the constitution
Domestic Policy:
-supported National Bank
-supported excise tax
-national debt good for country
-tariffs should be high

Question 3

Name the Democratic-Republicans’ leaders, who they appealed to, ideas of government, and domestic policy

Answer 3

Leaders:Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
Appealed to: Farmers, South, and West
Ideas of Government:
-state’s rights over National government (to direct economy)
-Strict construction of the constitution
Foreign Policy:
-against National Bank
-against excise tax
-against National debt
-Tariffs should be low

Question 4

Key Issues

Answer 4

1. No diplomatic staple that could carry the US
   No product was dominant enough (cotton would come later)
2. Insecure frontier
   Especially at Western ports - Washington found people here were not exactly keen on new constitution
3. Low Trade Volume
   ⅓ trade cut off by/with Britain
   Worse than pre-Revolution
   Impressment laws (stealing sailors), and violation of, made cargo insecure
4. Weak Financial System
   Lack of banks, etc.

Question 5

Events

Answer 5

a) French Revolution
Washington wanted to stay neutral, Jefferson agreed while Hamilton disagreed = divide
b) Whiskey Rebellion of 1791
Hamilton’s actions in repressing this rebellion were similar to what Britain did to the colonies, additionally he was not supposed to have a standing army like during the American Revolution therefore more people moved towards Jefferson
c) Foreign Policy - Jay’s treaty 1794
Disagreeance on this policy creates a further divide (federalist vs anti-federalist)
d) The Adams Administration: XYZ Affair → Quasi war
Diplomatic incident between France and USA that led to undeclared war at sea
Adams felt threatened therefore expanded army, American citizens thought he acted poorly and they reacted with negatively because didn’t feel respected as citizens therefore two sides continue to emerge with this disagreeance among the american people
e) The Adams Administration: Alien & Sedition Acts (1798)
Can kick out any alien & anyone who said anything against the Republic (directly against the Bill of Rights)
Makes people move towards Jefferson
Undermined liberty and Bill of Rights, states rights

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

ends with Revolution of 1800