Class Notes

1. Troubled Times for John Adams
Guided Notes
TN Standard- 8.37
Bell Ringer- Analyze the excerpts below and answer the accompanying questions.
Washington’s Farewell Address
“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge,
natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most
horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.”
“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign
world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as
capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less
applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat
it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my
opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.”
 How does Washington feel about political parties and factions? (underline
and label in the text)
 How does Washington feel about alliances with foreign countries?
(underline and label in the text)
Essential Question: _________________________________________________
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1. What was unique about Adams being president and Jefferson being vice-president after
the election of 1796?
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2. Explain the source of conflict between America and France during the early part of
Adams’ presidency.
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2. _________________________________________________________________
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3. Why did Adams send Marshall, Pinckney, and Gerry to France?
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4. What did France’s foreign minister, Charles Talleyrand’s agents (X, Y, and Z) demand
from the American commission?
_________________________________________________________________
5. How did Americans feel about the XYZ Affair?
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6. How did Congress respond to the XYZ Affair?
_________________________________________________________________
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7. What role did Napoleon Bonaparte play in the conflict between France and America?
_________________________________________________________________
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8. Who was against America’s peace treaty with France?
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9. How did America’s peace treaty with France affect Adams’ relationship with the rest
of the Federalist party?
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10. Which set of controversial laws were aimed at stopping the rising power of the
Democratic-Republicans?
_________________________________________________________________

3. 11. Summarize each of the acts below:
- Naturalization Act: ________________________________________________
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- Alien Act: ________________________________________________________
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- Alien Enemies Act: ________________________________________________
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- Sedition Act: _____________________________________________________
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12. As a result of the Sedition Act, 25 Democratic-Republican newspaper editors were
________________________ and 10 were __________________.
13. How did the Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson and Madison) feel about the Sedition
Act?
_________________________________________________________________
14. How did they respond?
_________________________________________________________________
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15. Under the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, how could a state respond if it felt a
federal law was unconstitutional?
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16. How did the Federalists feel about the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?
_________________________________________________________________
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4. 17. What issue was brought to the forefront of American politics with the debate over the
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?
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18. How did the Sedition Acts affect the perception of the Federalist party?
_________________________________________________________________
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19. What eventually happened to the Federalist party?
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