When John Adams became President he sought to carry out the advice that Washington had given the nation. Trying to maintain a healthy relationship with both Britain and France proved to be easier said than done. France had begun to attack American ships heading towards Europe, seizing American cargo and killing American sailors.
Adams asked Thomas Jefferson to lead a diplomatic mission to solve the crisis between the two nations. Jefferson would refuse the request, so Adams sent: Elbridge Gerry, John Marshall, and Timothy Pickerning to make a treaty with France. If you recall, the three men were not successful in their mission.
With emotions running high in the United States, President Adams would approve of two very controversial laws. The Alien Act and the Sedition Act. Both laws would barely pass, and were approved by the Federalist Senate and President. The Federalists would claim that they sought to protect the nation at this time of national crisis.
On this notorious act we conclude Unit 1. Beginning tomorrow we will start Unit II and see how the country continued to grow.
H.W. tonight
Identification on page 339.
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