George Washington established three executive departments - State, War, and Treasury - to carry out the functions of the new federal government. The Department of State, led by Thomas Jefferson, handled foreign affairs. The Department of War, under Henry Knox, managed military and Native American relations. Alexander Hamilton's Department of the Treasury oversaw the nation's finances and established a system of bonds and taxes. Washington also faced early challenges like the Whiskey Rebellion over taxation and delivered a farewell address warning against political parties and foreign entanglements.

1. +
George Washington's
Presidency
Mr. Arnold
8th Grade Humanities
KIPP Impact Middle School

2. +
Launching the New Government

As you know congress was heavily divided (Federalism and
Anti Federalism). Those two sides fought immediately when
they were deciding over what the role of their primary leader
should be.

Washington wanted it simply to be Mr. President

Within the executive branch there would be 3 different
departments:

Department of State- handle relations with other countries

Department of War- established to defend the nation.

Department of the Treasury- set up to oversee the nation’s finances.

3. +
Department of State

Secretary of State is responsible for foreign affairs…aka
talking, negotiating, and dealing with other countries.

Thomas Jefferson served as the first Secretary of State from
march 22, 1790 to December 31, 1793.

Jefferson brought remarkable talents to a long career in guiding
US affairs.

He successfully balances the countries relatively weak
geopolitical position and his fear of expansive federal powers
with his desire for expanding US territory.

4. +
Secretary of War

Secretary of War- responsible for all military affairs
and defense.

Knox was responsible for managing the nations
relations with the Native Americans.

He stated that the Indian nations were sovereign
and possessed the land they occupied, and that
the federal government should be responsible for
dealing with them.

He would then design and implement many small
Indian wars to attempt to expand US Territory.

5. +
Secretary of the Treasury

The Secretary of the Treasury is in charge of
financial and monetary matters. $$$$$!

By 1789 the US had a huge national debt of
about 50 million

The US must pay back debts to gain the
respect of other countries

Hamilton's Plan:


Bonds- government borrows from its private
citizens and gives them a paper promising to
repay the loan at a certain time with interest.
Speculator- person who bought bonds at a low
price from people who thought the government
would not pay.

6. +
The Whiskey Rebellion

Settlers living west of the Appalachian
Mountains were not pleased with high taxes
on luxury items like whiskey and carriages.

In 1794 the “Whiskey Boys” tarred and
feathered tax collectors who tried to enforce
the high taxes.

Washington led 13,000 state militia troops
across the mountains to crush the rebels.

Many people saw this action by the
government as breaking their personal
liberties.

7. +
GW Farewell Address

Nearing the end of Washington's second term, he decided he
would not run again.

He reminded Americans “With slight shades of difference, you
have the same religion, manners, habits, and political
principles. You have the same common cause fought and
triumphed together.”

He warned the people of two things:
1.
Problems with other countries, he wanted the US to stay neutral
and not involved in foreign affairs.
2.
Fighting between political parties would tear the young country
apart.