John Adam’s PresidencyJohn Adam’s PresidencyXYZ AffairsXYZ Affairs

Alien and Sedition ActAlien and Sedition Act

Kentucky & Virginia ResolvesKentucky & Virginia Resolves

War is AvoidedWar is Avoided

1800 Election1800 Election

John Adams: 1797-1801John Adams: 1797-1801

• John Adams: backgroundJohn Adams: background

• Election of 1796Election of 1796

• The XYZ Affairs: France tried to bribe The XYZ Affairs: France tried to bribe American diplomatsAmerican diplomats

• Federalists call for warFederalists call for war

• Army builtArmy built

Alien and Sedition Act 1798Alien and Sedition Act 1798

• Naturalization Act: 14 years to citizenshipNaturalization Act: 14 years to citizenship

• Alien Enemies: President can arrest AliensAlien Enemies: President can arrest Aliens– ““In time of war.” In time of war.”

• Sedition Act: crime to criticize governmentSedition Act: crime to criticize government

• Matthew Lyons: Congressman arrestedMatthew Lyons: Congressman arrested

• Judges: mostly partisan FederalistsJudges: mostly partisan Federalists

• 25 arrested: most Republican journalists 25 arrested: most Republican journalists

Republicans fight repressionRepublicans fight repression

• State’s RightsState’s Rights• Kentucky ResolvesKentucky Resolves

– JeffersonJefferson– Sedition Act violates 1Sedition Act violates 1stst Amend. Amend.– Nullification doctrine: states can refuse Nullification doctrine: states can refuse

lawslaws

• Virginia ResolvesVirginia Resolves– MadisonMadison

John AdamsJohn Adams

Adam’s Finest HourAdam’s Finest Hour

• Adam’s makes peace with FranceAdam’s makes peace with France– Sends new ambassador to FranceSends new ambassador to France– Tallyrand apologizes: new agreementTallyrand apologizes: new agreement– This made Federalists mad at himThis made Federalists mad at him

• Election of 1800Election of 1800– Adams 65Adams 65– Jefferson 73Jefferson 73– Burr 73Burr 73