The End of the Federalist Era

In this lecture, Dr. Totten argues John Adams' opposition to a war with France saved the young nation but doomed his political career and paved the way for the election of Thomas Jefferson. By stepping down from the presidency after two terms, George Washington ensured the Republic would survive with the precedent of a two term limit that was later enshrined in constitutional law in the 1950s.

Adams administration was dominated by the Quasi-War with France, an undeclared war between French and American ships. American delegates attempted to negotiate with the French foreign minister, Talleyrand, but instead were met with demands for a private bribe and a public loan for France. The resulting XYZ Affair led to the further deterioration of relations between America and her former ally.

With a large French immigrant population in America, the Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Act, which criminalized free speech. As a result, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison wrote the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, which enunciated the concept of Nullification that later directly led to the Nullification Crisis of 1832 and the Secession Crisis of 1861.

The election of 1800 between Jefferson and Adams was a highly contentious campaign, with numerous slanders and libels cast by supporters of both candidates. While Jefferson defeated Adams in the Electoral College, he tied his running mate Aaron Burr, who refused to concede defeat, as he was highly ambitious and unscrupulous politician. Alexander Hamilton helped throw the election in Jefferson's favor, because while he may disagree with Jefferson's politics, he at least knew he had principles, unlike Burr. Thus, Jefferson became president and stated: "We are all republicans, we are all federalists." While this was meant to unite the country, Jefferson meant it an invitation for everyone to join his party, as the concept of a loyal opposition party was still not yet firmly established in the American political process.