John Adams narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson in the 1796 presidential election, becoming president, while Jefferson became vice president. This was problematic because their parties, the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, opposed each other. Further tensions arose from disagreements over the Jay Treaty with Britain and the XYZ Affair, where France demanded bribes from American envoys. The Federalists passed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts to suppress opposition.

1. John Adams 3.5.09

2. Election of 1796 Democratic Republicans : Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr Federalists: John Adams and Thomas Pinckney BIG ISSUES: Jay’s Treaty French Revolution *****According to the constitution, the person with the most electoral votes becomes President, the next highest total becomes Vice President.*****

3. So who’s President? Vice-President? Candidate Political Party Electoral Votes John Adams Federalist 79 Thomas Pinckney Federalist 51 Oliver Ellsworth Federalist 11 Thomas Jefferson Democratic-Republican 68 Aaron Burr Democratic-Republican 30 Samuel Adams Democratic-Republican 15

4. Why is this a problem? Maybe I should just run again?

5. XYZ Affair France objects to Jay’s Treaty Jay’s Treaty = Britain pays U.S. for damage to ships, U.S. pays Britain money they owed to merchants. “ That favor’s the British! You said you were NEUTRAL!” –The French What does France do? Start seizing American Ships! (just like the British had) American People want war! President John Adams wants to stay Neutral! Sends representatives to France to discuss the rights of neutral nations.

6. X Y Z If you want to meet with Talleyrand, give him $250,000. Then Lend France 10 Million Not a sixpence!

7. XYZ Affair When American’s find out they are outraged “ Millions for defense, but not a cent for tribute!” Tribute = Bribe American People want war! Adams does not ask congress for war But does build Frigates Frigates = fast sailing ships with many guns

8. Alien and Sedition Acts The Federalists manage to get four important laws through congress: Alien Act President can force any alien (or foreigner), thought to be suspicious to leave 2 . Naturalization Act Must live in America for 14 years before becoming an American 3. Alien Enemies Act If an alien’s (foreigner’s) home land is at war with the United States they could be sent back. 4. Sedition Act Citizens can be fined or jailed if they criticize the government

9. WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?