Transcript Chapter 7
Chapter 6 The Adams Family Moves to Washington Living in the New Capital John Adams was the first President to live in the President’s House in Washington, D.C. ◦ Called the Executive Mansion ◦ It would be another 100 years until it was officially called the White House It wasn’t even white at the beginning…it was gray ◦ Moves in toward the end of his term as President Not the Prettiest City Abigail Adams arrived after John had already moved in ◦ She had some problems with the city ◦ Only a city in name ◦ What does that mean? ◦ What were some of these problems? Buildings were spread out and unfinished Roads were muddy (the city was still under construction) The President’s house was damp (no wood for fireplaces) Some Positives Some of the rooms were beautiful even unfinished ◦ Knew they would only look better when they were complete The city was in a beautiful spot ◦ Abigail Adams could see the potential for improvement ◦ Once improved it would be an impressive city Named Washington George Washington had started construction of the city He died in 1799 ◦ The nation was shocked and mourned together Decided to rename Federal City in honor of the president Chapter 7 About President Adams A Portrait as a Biography Describe Adams’ pose and attitude in this painting. What clues tell you about this attitude? What other objects or symbols do you see in the painting? One of the most Human Presidents What does that mean? He had both good and bad qualities President 1797-1801 ◦ Was 61 when he took office ◦ Thomas Jefferson was his Vice President Good Qualities What were some of Adams’ good qualities? ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Brave Intelligent Patriotic Always did what he thought was right (not always what was popular) ◦ Independent Is that always a good thing? Some Bad Qualities What were some things about John Adams that weren’t so good? ◦ Vain ◦ Didn’t trust the people What political party does that belief fall under? ◦ Had a temper ◦ Away from the capital a lot (385 days in four years) War France and England were fighting ◦ Some people wanted America to become allies with the French Why? They had been our allies in the Revolution ◦ Other people wanted America to side with the British Why? They still had old ties with England from when they were colonies War during Washington’s Term The British and French were both capturing American ships ◦ The British also kidnapped American sailors to serve in the British navy ◦ Called impressment ◦ Claimed that the sailors they took were actually British sailors who had jumped ship Washington sent John Jay (Chief Justice) to England to make peace with the British ◦ The Jay Treaty settled some small disputes with the British ◦ But the British did not agree to stop taking American ships War during Washington’s Term Washington got rid of the alliance with France that was established in 1778 ◦ Stated that the United States would be friendly with both England and France ◦ Called the Proclamation of Neutrality France sent an ambassador to America ◦ Edmond Genet ◦ The government wasn’t very welcoming to him ◦ So he wanted to talk directly to the people ◦ Washington asked the French to remove him Why wouldn’t Washington want him to talk to the people? He Kept Us Out of War Adams followed Washington’s lead and kept the United States neutral This angered the French ◦ Why? ◦ The French continued stopping American ships How would you react to this? ◦ Even more people than before now wanted to fight for the British ◦ Especially Alexander Hamilton ◦ What side do you think Jefferson was on? ◦ He lost some support from his own Federalist party XYZ Affair Adams sent a delegation of 3 people to negotiate a treaty with France ◦ 1797 ◦ John Marshall, Charles C. Pickney, Elbridge Gerry ◦ To get the French to stop capturing American ships French agents offered a treaty at a price •They required a bribe of $250,000 and a loan of $10 million •Paid to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand •French foreign minister •They refused Quasi-War What does that term mean? ◦ Not a real war Adams built up the navy to protect American ships from the French ◦ They were given permission to attack French ships ◦ There were several naval battles ◦ But war was never officially declared ◦ The unofficial conflict ended in 1800