APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - Shaping a New Republic, Washington, Adams, Jefferson

Why This Matters

The period of Shaping a New Republic, spanning from 1789 to 1800, is crucial for understanding the development of the United States. This era saw the establishment of the federal government, the creation of the first national institutions, and the emergence of key figures who would shape the country's future. The AP theme of Politics and Power is particularly relevant here, as the young nation grappled with issues of governance, representation, and the balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Key Events & People

• George Washington: First President of the United States, served two terms from 1789 to 1797, and established the cabinet system.
• The Whiskey Rebellion (1794): A tax protest in western Pennsylvania that was put down by Washington's troops, demonstrating the federal government's authority.
• The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798): A series of laws passed by the Federalist Congress that restricted civil liberties and targeted immigrants and journalists.
• John Adams: Second President of the United States, served from 1797 to 1801, and oversaw the Quasi-War with France.
• The XYZ Affair (1797-1798): A diplomatic incident in which French agents demanded bribes from American envoys, leading to a deterioration of relations with France.
• The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798-1799): A pair of state resolutions that argued for states' rights and nullification of federal laws, foreshadowing the Nullification Crisis of 1832.
• Thomas Jefferson: Third President of the United States, served from 1801 to 1809, and oversaw the Louisiana Purchase.
• The Jay Treaty (1795): A treaty with Great Britain that resolved outstanding issues from the American Revolution, including British withdrawal from forts in the Northwest Territory.
• The Sedition Act (1798): A law that prohibited "false, scandalous, and malicious" speech against the government, used to prosecute critics of the Federalist administration.
• The Alien Enemies Act (1798): A law that allowed the president to deport immigrants deemed a threat to national security, used to target French and Irish immigrants.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Whiskey Rebellion (1794)
• Effect: The federal government's authority was established, and the cabinet system was created.
• Long-term consequence: The precedent for federal intervention in domestic affairs was set, paving the way for future conflicts over states' rights and federal power.
• Cause: The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
• Effect: Civil liberties were restricted, and the Federalist administration faced criticism and opposition.
• Long-term consequence: The Acts contributed to the rise of the Democratic-Republican Party and the eventual downfall of the Federalist Party.
• Cause: The XYZ Affair (1797-1798)
• Effect: Relations with France deteriorated, and the Quasi-War began.
• Long-term consequence: The conflict contributed to the development of the United States' naval power and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Mortefontaine (1800).

Essential Vocabulary

• Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (e.g., states).
• States' rights: The idea that states have inherent powers and authority that cannot be overridden by the federal government.
• Nullification: The doctrine that states have the right to nullify or invalidate federal laws that they deem unconstitutional.
• Cabinet system: A system in which the president is advised by a group of officials, each responsible for a particular area of government.
• Quasi-War: A conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, characterized by naval battles and trade restrictions.
• Alien Enemies Act: A law that allowed the president to deport immigrants deemed a threat to national security.
• Sedition Act: A law that prohibited "false, scandalous, and malicious" speech against the government.
• Whiskey Rebellion: A tax protest in western Pennsylvania that was put down by Washington's troops.
• Jay Treaty: A treaty with Great Britain that resolved outstanding issues from the American Revolution.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Democratic-Republican Congress.
• Correction: The Acts were actually passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798.
• What students often get wrong: The XYZ Affair was a major diplomatic success for the United States.
• Correction: The Affair was actually a major diplomatic failure, leading to a deterioration of relations with France.
• What students often get wrong: The Whiskey Rebellion was a major conflict between the federal government and Native American tribes.
• Correction: The Rebellion was actually a tax protest by American settlers in western Pennsylvania.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of the Alien and Sedition Acts on American politics and society. Be sure to include specific examples from the period, such as the prosecution of Matthew Lyon and the reaction of the Democratic-Republican Party.
• Possible document-based question: Evaluate the role of the cabinet system in the early years of the United States. Use specific documents, such as Washington's Farewell Address and the Jay Treaty, to support your argument.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the leadership styles of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Be sure to include specific examples from their presidencies, such as the Whiskey Rebellion and the Louisiana Purchase.

Quick Self?Check

1. Who was the first President of the United States? Answer: George Washington Explanation: Washington served two terms from 1789 to 1797 and established the cabinet system.
2. What was the significance of the Jay Treaty? Answer: The treaty resolved outstanding issues from the American Revolution, including British withdrawal from forts in the Northwest Territory. Explanation: The treaty marked a major improvement in relations with Great Britain and helped to establish the United States as a sovereign nation.
3. What was the main issue addressed by the Alien and Sedition Acts? Answer: The Acts restricted civil liberties and targeted immigrants and journalists. Explanation: The Acts were used to prosecute critics of the Federalist administration and to restrict the rights of immigrants and journalists.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Whiskey Rebellion was a major conflict between the federal government and Native American tribes.
• The Jay Treaty was signed in 1795.
• The Alien Enemies Act allowed the president to deport immigrants deemed a threat to national security.
• The Sedition Act prohibited "false, scandalous, and malicious" speech against the government.
• The XYZ Affair was a major diplomatic failure that led to a deterioration of relations with France.
• The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions argued for states' rights and nullification of federal laws.
• The cabinet system was established by George Washington.
• The Louisiana Purchase was overseen by Thomas Jefferson.
• The Quasi-War was a conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800.
• The Treaty of Mortefontaine was signed in 1800, ending the Quasi-War.