VCJH History 8 Chpt 11

Question 0

What title did Washington prefer?

Answer 0

Mr. President

Question 1

What date did George Washington take the oath of office as the first President of the U.S.?

Answer 1

April 30 1789

Question 2

What three executive branch departments did Congress initially approve? What were their responsibilities?

Answer 2

Department of State - handle international relations
War - defend the nation
Treasury - oversee nations finances

Question 3

What was the most critical problem facing the new nation?

Answer 3

Lack of funds due to the war

Question 4

When did Congress agree to the first excise tax? On what products?

Answer 4

Whiskey and luxury goods such as carriages

Question 5

What was the Whiskey Rebellion? What was Washington’s reaction? What was the result of that action?

Answer 5

Hamilton urged Washington to send 13,000 state militia troops to crush the rebellion. In reaction, the Federalists (Hamilton & Co) were appalled by the bloodshed.

Question 6

What was Washington’s Farewell address?

`

Answer 6

His message to the country as he finished up a second presidential term.
- Announced that he would not run again.
- Warned against two threats 1.- getting involved with other nations
2 - “spirit of party” supporting a party versus the nation

Question 7

`What is manifest destiny? What does it imply?

Answer 7

“obvious fate”

Belief that it was America’s right and duty to spread the nation across the North American continent.

Question 8

How did the United States expand through Manifest Destiny?

Answer 8

Treaties, purchase, and war.  
Ex.
Lousiana Purchase - $15M from France
Florida - $5M debt payment for Spain
CA/AZ/UT/NV/NM - war with Mexico and purchase $10M

Question 9

What were the competing interests for New Orleans?

Answer 9

France/Napoleon wanted to develop Louisiana with farmers to support sugar plantations in the Caribbean. Americans were afraid that he would close the port of New Orleans.

Question 10

What was the result of the American offer to buy New Orleans? Why did it happen?

Answer 10

When Monroe offered $7.5M for New Orleans, he was offered all of Louisiana for $15M. Napoleon feared he might lose it to the British.

Question 11

Who were Republicans and Federalists? How did they differ in their beliefs? Who were the major members of each faction?

Answer 11

Federalist believed in a strong central or federal government. Their main member was Alexander Hamilton and later John Adams. They believed that the “best people” - educated, wealthy, public spirited men should run the nation.
Republicans were headed by Thomas Jefferson and believed that state governments should be stronger.