THE PRESIDENCY OF JOHN ADAMS(1797-1801)

JOHN ADAMS

John Adams was “the only founding president not to have owned slaves.

He took the lead in banning slavery in Massachusetts before he became President.

PROBLEMS WITH FRANCE

France and England were at war with one another

France looks to America to honor its alliance made during the Revolution

Wants US to declare war against Britain

France angered by US neutrality

France attacks US ships in the Atlantic

XYZ AFFAIR

3 French ministers demand a $250,000 bribe to begin peace negotiations American negotiators

refuse to pay

3 French ministers were referred to as X, Y, & Z

US outraged by the French demand for bribery

QUASI- WAR WITH FRANCE

Adams request Congress increase the size of army & rebuild the navy

Quasi War fought entirely on the sea between U.S. & French ships (1798-1800)

Adams & Napoleon reach an agreement ending the Quasi War

ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS 4 laws passed by

Congress and signed into law by John Adams

Took 14 years to become a citizen

President could deport “dangerous” non-Americans

President could arrest any “dangerous” non-American during wartime

Made it a crime to write anything scandalous or malicious about the government

REACTION TO ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS

Under Jefferson’s guidance Virginia & Kentucky Resolution is passed.

States can nullify any federal law if it oversteps it authority