John Adams Flashcards
What were some of Adam’s characteristics?
He was very smart, but not great with people
What was the XYZ Afair?
The French started seizing American ships that carried cargo, as a result of the French thinking Jay’s Treaty favored the British. Adams want to avoid war, so he sent a delagation to France to meet with Charles de Talleyrand. Talleyrand sent three men, known as xyz to tell the Americans that if they wanted a meeting, it would cost thousands of dollars. That is bribery and is not allowed. Adams was furious and the Americans wanted war.
What was the Alien Act? How many people were effected?
It gave the president the power to deport aliens that he considered dangerous. Nobody was deported.
What was the Sedition Act? How many people wrre effected?
It made writing or publishing anything bad about the president a crime. 25 people were arrested.
What were the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions? Who was it written by? What did it say?
It was written by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.
It spelled out states rights and was a direct challenge to the federal government.
It stated “Would a state militia fight federal militia”.
This issue would keep arising until the Civil War.
What happened to the Federalist Party after the XYZ affair? What was the result?
It split.
Adams did not listen to the Federalists who wanted war. Hamilton and his men were now against their president.
This allowed Jefferson to win the next election.
When did John Adams become the second president?
March 4, 1797
