After perusing pages 258-274, answer the following questions based on the reading. In addition to answering the questions, feel free to post any observations that you made while reading this section. Post two comments on the blog, the first being your answers and the second in response to your classmates.
1. How did Hamilton's economic plans (not including the national bank) reflect his assertion that the Constitution was not 'high toned enough.'?
2. Create a chart that summarizes the strengths and criticisms of Hamilton's plan
3. Despite its passage in Congress, why did the debate over assumption and funding not cease?
4. How did the Whiskey Rebellion relate to the growth of the national government?
5. Why did the French Revolution present a serious test for the United States?
6. How did the French Revolution affect ordinary people in the United States?
7. Overall, evaluate the political climate that formed during Washington's presidency.
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1. Hamilton’s financial plan shows his thoughts on the constitution because in assuming states debts and increasing the national debt, Hamilton pushed the boundaries of the constitution
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: public credit was restored, opened up more credit, increased revenue, provided stability, and started manufacturing.
Weaknesses: his plan was not fair, especially against farmers, created division in government
3. Even though the assumption of states debts was passed through congress, certain states like Virginia had already paid their war debts and did not want to pay the debt of the other states. However, to make a compromise with Virginia, the District of Colombia was placed partially in Virginia and partially in Maryland.
4. The French Revolution was a test for the US because the nation was forced to trade with both sides of the war to succeed commercially.
5. The French Revolution affected the citizens of the US because we had separated from England most citizens were on France’s side. Even after the revolution became anti-catholic, many citizens rooted for the French.
6. The political climate of Washington’s presidency was full of factions, as Madison would say, and dissent between the citizens of the United States.
1. Hamilton definately 'pushed the boundaries' of the Constitution. Many deemed his economic plan as outrageous because of its radical solutions.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: Hamilton's plan definately helped to restore credit to the public and was the first step towards helping the United States get out of some of its debt
Weaknesses: The plan was unfair to farmers because it imposed heavy taxes on them, which was what they were against in the first place. Along with that, those who had already turned in their credits, lost out on the value.
3. Despite the fact that the plan was passed, some states still had issues with it. For example those states who had not accumilated large sums of debt did not want states debt to be combined together.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion restated the growth of the national government because Washington used a national army to surpress the rebels along with using decisions made by other branches.
5. The French Revolution presented a serious test for the United States because they were trading with France so the government was afraid that U.S. citizens would catch on to what was occuring. Also, the rebellion ended up causing problems with trade and commerce.
6. The French Rev. protected ordinary people because it demonstrated the power of the public. French citizens were able to rise up against the government and cause serious changes.
7. During Washinton's presidency, many groups sectioned off with separate ideas. At the beginning, the country was basically whole, but as decisions were made and events occured, various opinions sprouted up which caused a divide amongst the people.
I agree with Ricky especially on #3, many states with lower state debts were upset about having a combined national debt and having to pay back what was not initially theirs.
ReplyDelete1)
ReplyDeleteHamilton’s plan reflected his desires for the government to favor entrepreneurs and ambitious men who wanted to improve their surroundings. Hamilton felt that the future of America was intertwined with such characters’ success. Consequently, his plan aimed to absolve debts that were stifling the market, and open up more credit for people to invest in the economy with. However, the plan did little for the average farmer, while it drastically aided the speculators whom commoners had sold their bonds to.
2)
Strengths:
Established national credit
Fixed state debt problems
Great profit for bond holders
Criticisms:
Unfairness in increasing bond value
Created Huge national debt
Unfair to states who had already paid their debts
Need more taxes to pay off new debt
Ignored Southern Agricultural Interests
3)
People such as Patrick Henry kept spreading word about the unfairness of Hamilton’s plan. Additionally, the Southerners still felt ignored; so they tried to convict Hamilton of crimes, and pass resolutions in order to re-open discussion. Also, when Hamilton returned to the legislature to propose the national bank, politicians began to debate the whole plan again.
4)
The Whiskey rebellion was one of the first ways the strength of the national government was measured. If the government decided to do nothing, it would show that the constitution was equally as weak as the Articles of Confederation, and incapable of protecting its people. However, if the government was too forceful and used the army to abuse farmers, the Constitution would appear to be too strong and equally as oppressive on the people as British rule was.
5)
The American government was split between two choices. They could choose to help France, since France had helped us considerably when we had a revolution. Also, we could empathize with France, since we had detested monarchy and Britain, in the same ways. However, the economy relied heavily on trading with European Nations that despised the French revolution. Additionally the revolution was considerably chaotic and gory compared to ours.
6)
The French Revolution directly impacted many commoners. Those who were seamen were often captured in open waters and forced to enlist in the British Navy. Also, many merchants depended on the trade that was threatened by an American alliance with France. Some of the ideas form the French Revolution even spread to America. Such ideas included women rights and feminist activism. Inspired by the revolution, many women such as Anne Willing Bingham mimicked the French salons in their own homes.
7)
The political climate during Washington’s presidency was characterized by tough decisions, where ideals were balanced with practicality and necessity. The need to balance often split the nation, creating an environment where Washington needed to try and appease both sides and assert national unity. For example, Hamilton’s plan provided an effective way to solve the economic crisis, but was unfair to commoners and debatably unconstitutional. Also, Washington had to try and choose between aiding our fellow revolutionary and democratic nation France against an oppressive monarchy, and siding with the British whom we were economically dependent on. In both examples Washington had to choose between results, or upholding constitutional ideals that were vulnerable in America’s young years.
1. Hamilton attempted to make the Constitution more "high-toned" with his extreme plans to create credit for the American government. These plans rarely worked out for the lower classes, as Hamilton did not care much for their problems.
ReplyDelete2.Strengths: This plan ended up creating good credit for the government, and therefore creating a vested interest in our government for the rest of the world. The bank provided much needed stability, and a manufacturing sector emerged.
Weaknesses: The farmers and poor people suffered at the hands of this because they could not pay the taxes he initiated. Also, this plan highlighted and exacerbated the divisions within our government, ultimately leading to the creation of two opposing groups.
3. Though the idea of the national government assuming state debts was passed in Congress, disagreement still occurred on the fairness of the act. Though it helped states with an insurmountable debt like Massachusetts, states that had either paid back all of or a substantial amount of their debt felt cheated. In order to appease the the latter, the capitol was moved further south to where it is now, Washington DC.
4. The reaction of the government to the Whiskey Rebellion would set the stage for many years to come. The public had to know that messing with the government and violence against officials would not make the law bend for them. This related to the growth of the national government beacause the the reaction to this rebellion would demonstrate the central government's power or let it wane in the hands of whiny people.
5. The French Revolution was an example of an unhappy people rebelling against the government to achieve their goal. The American people as well as government supported the French public, but the Americans were not to take the French Revolution as an example of action to be taken.
6. The French Revolution affected the American public directly because the public was in support of the oppressed French people while they themselves were on the verge of major opposition with their own government.
7. The political climate during Washington's presidency was not set or definite, as it was full of tension between the opposing ideas of Hamilton and Jefferson. Washington was the peacekeeper between the two opinionated men, and he had to battle much opposition from his people as he set up our government.
I agree with Chris that the political climate was full of tough decisions. As this was a time where America was setting an example for the rest of the world, each decision made had that much more gravity.
ReplyDelete(here is the actual #4 which i neglected to answer)4. The Whisky rebellion related to the growth of the nation because it showed Washington that little disputes would not wreak havoc like they did in the days of the Articles of Confederation
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tyler especially on number 7, in which she talks about how the country was divided by opinion during the French Revolution
1. Hamilton pressed the constitutions limits with his extreme credit plans for America. This is why many people thought his ideas were too radical for our nation.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths- public credit was restored, provided stability, increased revenue and spurred manufacturing and industry
Weaknesses- farmers and rural people were upset, increased the division in the govt and national debt got bigger.
3. Though the idea of the national government assuming state debts was passed in Congress, some states who had already paid off their debt did not want to have to pay for the debt of other states also. So they made a compromise to make the capital on the border of Maryland and Virginia.
4. The Whiskey rebellion was one of the first ways the strength of the national government was tested. Since Washinton sent troops to put down the rebellion, it needed the approval from other branches and not just his own.
5. The French Revolution presented a serious test for the United States because our government was afraid that the people of America would see what was happeneing in France and want to do it too. And it also caused major commmerce issues for the US.
6. The French Revolution impacted ordinary people in the US because it showed that the public was being oppressed and they rose up against that.
7. The political climate of Washington's presidency was that it was filled with many tough decisions that would be the foudation for our country today and if they did not succeed our country could be vastly different.
I agreee with Vishakha on #7 because it is true that there was alot of tension in his presidency involving citizens and Hamilton and Jefferson.
ReplyDelete1. Through his economic plans, Hamilton sought to further the overall nation’s level of prosperity by increasing the favorability of the merchants and business owners, as he felt that those industries were the future of American economy. However, he neglected the well being of the farmers, imposing unfair taxes, showing that he acted only in the interests of the nation and ignored the individual socioeconomic divisions.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: state debts were consolidated and paid off, national revenues were stimulated with taxes on goods, and encouraged the manufacturing industries public credit augmented
Weaknesses: national debts was only increased, lower classes were unhappy Hamiton’s policies, agriculture was given less significance as a major contributing industry.
3. Although Hamilton’s plans were passed by Congress and implemented by Washington, there were still many citizens and officials who were bitterly opposed to these policies. Thomas Jefferson was a major influence who discounted the supporters of these plans by advocating the opposite of most of Hamilton’s political beliefs. Jefferson fought against Hamilton’s Whiskey Taxes, his plans to “cure” national debt, and his focus on manufactured goods as opposed to agriculture.
4. In choosing to implement Hamilton’s proposal to use force to intimidate protesting citizens, Washington learned that the only way to earn the trust and support of his people is to treat them with respect. Had Washington actually listened to the rebels and established a compromise, no force would have been needed while both sides would have been satisfied.
5. The French Revolution proved to be a test of Washington’s political principles in terms of foreign affairs. Washington continuously advocated a plan for neutrality in all foreign conflict in order to establish a stronger nation before engaging in war. However, America also had an obligation to France for support in any international issues as compensation for French aid during the American Revolution. But Washington was also conflicted by the nations America relied upon for commerce, many of whom detested the French revolutionary efforts.
6. Many of the social aspects of the French Revolution carried over the ocean into American society, especially in the growing efforts towards feminist struggle, even in commoner, everyday society.
7. From the moment of the Constitution’s establishment, it was becoming more and more evident that the biggest fear of James Madison was coming true, the emergence of factions within society. Mainly due to the political conflict between Jefferson and Hamilton in the government, citizens began taking positions on the policies being implemented, and many were dissatisfied, the most extreme of these taking part in rebellions like the Whiskey Rebellion.
I agree with Brittany in her answer to number 3 by bringing up the compromise between states of the North and South, which ended parts of the issues that were dividing the nation because of their disagreement over certain political policies.
ReplyDelete1. Hamilton wanted the federal government to assume remaining state war debts in order to build credit. Hamilton believed a strong central authority was the key to success, but many people feared greater expansion of its powers.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: restored public credit, provided stability, opened up more credit, increased revenue, spurred manufacturing
Weaknesses: unfair to farmers, created political factions, unfair to states that had already paid debt.
3. Men such as Patrick Henry warned that southern agricultural needs were being subverted by northern concerns. Also, many states that had paid off their debt felt cheated. To appease southern concerns, the capitol was relocated further south to Washington D.C.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion was the first test of our government’s ability to enforce its authority. It set a precedent that acting out violently would not be tolerated.
5. Under international law, neutral countries could continue trade with belligerent nations. Merchants took advantage of this opportunity and eagerly in trade with France and Britain. BY 1800, American ships carried 92% of all commerce between America and Europe. However, French and British hostilities were so intense that they often confiscated cargoes of American ships to stop goods from reaching the other. America had also signed a treaty with France in 1778 promising to provide France with as much support that they had provided us in our revolution.
6. The French Revolution inspired greater political participation among commoners. “constitutional societies” were created, and citizens were quick to decry anything that may have encroached upon their liberties. In April 1793, Edmund Genet, the French minister to the U.S, arrived. He was quick to spread support for the French Revolution, which lead to greater divisions in America
7. Washington’s presidency saw the disintegration of political harmony and the division of society into factions that had little or no common ground.
I think both Chris and Isha answered the first question very well because they were specific in exactly what Hamilton's plan actually did.
ReplyDelete1. After his appointment to Secretary of State, Hamilton molded the United States towards the direction he envisioned. Hamilton suggested that the remaining Revolutionary War debt be funded by enabling the government’s creditors the opportunity to exchange their depreciated bonds at face value. Hamilton hoped that taking on the state debt would stabilize the government’s finances, as it established credit and built confidence in the new government.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths:
His proposal to fund the foreign debt was generally agreed upon.
Power of taxation
Weaknesses:
His plan increased the tension between the north and south, as his ideas favored the northern states.
Hamilton’s plans for handling the government’s domestic obligations aroused a lot of opposition. Madison, for example, protested that the plan unfairly benefited speculators who had acquired the bonds at such a cheap price. The funding would also bring benefit to the South.
Opposition aroused in regards to the federal government assuming state debts.
3. The debate over assumption and funding did not cease, even though it passed through congress, because states assemblies, such as Virginia, passed a series of resolutions that warned that the national government’s powers were expanding dangerously. In addition, the federal government increasingly ignored the interests of the southern states. Contention grew when Hamilton introduced the second phase of his plan, consisting of a national bank. The reaction to this phase resembled that of the first; the southern states were outraged by such a plan.
4. Rebelling farmers frustrated at the loss of local power, felt as though they had lost any voice in the ever expanding government. The Whiskey Rebellion was a direct result of the birth of the centralized government. Hamilton enforced taxes that neglected the farmers, just because the government needed revenues. This showed that no longer would the government care about the individual needs of communities but rather the nation’s benefit as a whole.
5.The French Revolution presented a serious test for the United States because it threatened America’s security and divided the people. The outbreak of war in Europe placed the Washington administration in a problematic situation. Coastal cities were able to prosper as a result of America’s neutrality, as they traded with both sides. The relationships with England and France both suffered as a result, because the two sides both sought access to American goods.
ReplyDelete6. Ordinary people were affected by the strife in France helped open up our port cities, returning trade and business to merchants. However, many people also felt disconnected to the Revolution when France’s revolutionary regime attacked organized Christianity. Federalists were against the revolution, as it symbolized anarchy. On a grander scale, many citizens actually supported France. There support and interest in the European affairs posed the questions of gender bias in politics. French women were noted in the revolutionary efforts, while American women were bound by their sex. Many women got involved in rallies and plays, as upper and middle class women expanded their involvement in society.
7. Washington's administration began the process of nationalizing the government, as power was extracted from local politicians. No longer could the concerns of individuals present discussion and concern for the nation. Rather, the federal government had to focus on the overall success of the country. This was seen in Hamilton's plans which ignored the struggles of farmers, but helped strenghten America as her image and credibility could increase. In addition, the structure of the nation economically took root, as Hamilton stressed the importance of industry as America's token to success.
In Chris' response to number seven, I like how he debated the constitutionality of Hamilton's plans. While it was obvious that they violated the rights of farmers, it could also be interpreted that Hamilton's radically powerful plans also violated Americans and the Constitution as a whole.
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ReplyDelete1. Hamilton proposed a plan with extreme economic policies in order to establish the credit of the country. He wanted to pay back the debt America owed so we could borrow more money in the future. Hamilton wanted to make life better for merchants and traders by creating a confidence in America as an international trade partner. Though by combining all the states’ debt and dividing it up, this upset farmers and poor citizens.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: The plan allowed for the United States to develop national and international credit, not only so more money could be borrowed, rather so foreign countries can acknowledge us as a possible source of trade. If this plan were to kick-start the economy, we as a country could prove how we can pay back debt as well as show the British our immense progress after the Revolutionary War.
Weaknesses: Though a very strong plan, Hamilton did not consider what the poorer citizens as well as the farmers would think about the idea. His plan caused for more debt on each state, which meant more heavy taxes on those who can’t afford to pay them. Additionally, this plan was unfair for the states, like Virginia who had already paid off their dues.
3. Issues still remained between states that had already paid their obligations to the government, like Virginia and Pennsylvania and states that neglected to pay their debts in full, such as Massachusetts. The states with debt paid didn’t want to take on the responsibility of states similar to Massachusetts.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion caused for George Washington and Congress to return to the issue of whether to create a national army or not. Torn between whether to show their strength as a national government or whether to back off as to not appear oppressive, similar to the way the British treated the colonists.
5. The U.S. felt like they had a choice on whether who to side with in the French Revolution, as it may have been an extension of the American Revolution. Many Americans decided to side with the French however the Federalists saw the French as presenting a threat to the European order on which they believe founded an ideal government.
6. The French Revolution did impact the ordinary people of the United States by inspiring citizens to make a change. For example, several women activists arise in the West to fight for Woman’s rights, similar to the French during their revolution.
7. Originally, the country was fairly united after the American Revolution however during his presidency, divides began to form. After the economic plan was put into place, farmers strongly disliked the policies whereas the merchants benefitted from the plan and be recognized internationally.
I really like the way Carly stated specific examples for number 6 and why the French Revolution impacted the ordinary people.
ReplyDelete1. Hamilton’s economic plan to restore public credit was seen as radical and extreme by some and this plan for credit showed his assertion that the Constitution was not 'high toned enough.'
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: provided stability, increased revenue, public credit restored
Weaknesses: farmers were unhappy with plan (thought it unfair), division in government, and created huge national debt.
3. Some states that had already paid off their debt were angry that they had to pay for other states’ debt.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion was the first real obstacle that the new government faced. It showed the government was strong enough to handle such a problem and could come up with a solution like sending in the national troops.
5. The American government didn’t know what to do because they could either help the French who had helped us when we needed it or not do anything because we can relate to hating a monarchy.
6. A result of the French Revolution was the idea of democracy being planted in the citizens of America. They saw how the French Rev. demonstrated how powerful people really are in the government.
7. During Washington’s presidency political divisions started to develop because people had different opinions and were forming groups with others that shared their political views.
I like how thorough Isha's answers were; especially to number one. She did a great job explaining in detail Hamilton's plan.
ReplyDelete1. Hamilton had radical economic plans in order to create credit for America. However, these “high toned” ideas were too drastic for the public to agree to understand.
ReplyDelete2. Hamilton’s Strengths: public credit restored, freed and opened up more credit, provided stability, increased revenue with taxes, forced people to manufacture own goods
Hamilton’s Criticisms: unfair to economic classes, increased division in government
3. The debate over assumption and funding did not cease because the states who had paid off most or all of their debt felt that it was unfair that they would have to pay for the debts for other states as well. A compromise was made to make the capital located in Washington D.C.
4. The farmers along with the merchants were greatly angered by the Whiskey tax. Whiskey was their biggest commodity in which they earned much profit through selling it in big packages. However, with this new tax created a big problem for the government as it was the first big rebellion they had to deal with.
5. The French Revolution presented a serious test for the United States as it inspired Americans to do the same thing. Discontent French citizens rebelled against their government and caused a riot.
6. The French Revolution inspired “constitutional societies” all around and inspired people to freely and more openly show their thoughts-especially when they disagreed with the government.
7. I feel as though Washington did the best he could to find the medium between all dilemmas. He constantly tried to maintain peace within his country and as the first leader yet found himself torn between two decisions-whether it was to think about benefitting the nation as a whole in the future or maintaining current contentment. However, he usually ended up following Hamilton’s advice for many decisions.
I agree with Ricky with his 5th point about how the US was forced to trade in order to succeed-something I failed to mention in my response.
ReplyDelete1. As a very conservative official, Hamilton had a great deal of respect for the upper classes, especially wealthy merchants and entrepreneurs. His proposal to have depreciated securities exchanged at face value was a huge asset to speculators. He also proposed that the federal government take care of the foreign debt instead of the state governments.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: Restored public credit, increased revenue, encouraged manufacturing and industry, provided stability, and and widened foreign trade relations.
Weaknesses: Not fair to everybody, especially farmers and southerners. Favored the upper classes and the North. Created divisions within the government. Increased national debt. Created new taxes.
3. Southerners began to rally under the opinion that northern commerce was taking precedence over their own agricultural economy. Then Hamilton proposed a national bank, which was never explicitly stated in the Constitution as a power of the federal government.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion forced Washington and his administration to make a tough decision over whether or not to send troops to quiet the insurrection. They would then have to deal with the consequences that followed any of their actions as well as taking care that the message they sent to the citizens was not a negative one. In the end, their actions were somewhat disputed, but the federal government also asserted that it was not a force to be trifled with.
5. Although the French Revolution opened a flood of European trade opportunities to the United States, it also caught it in the heated rivalry between England and France. Both warring countries did not think it beneath them to raid American ships, which were supposed to be protected under international trading laws. Also, the British Navy sought to recruit American sailors, so the United States had to protect both the country's neutrality and its citizens' rights.
6. Aside from sailors being recruited by the British Navy through impression, Americans also debated over whether or not they still owed France a debt in their revolution. Although many people eventually turned away from the excessive violence of the French Revolution, some still held hope for peace in France. The French Revolution also sparked a new wave of feminism with publications such as Mary Wollstonecraft's "The Vindications of the Rights of Women."
7. When Washington was elected, the country looked forward to a peaceful and prosperous future. However, as time wore on, Washington was forced into situations like the Whiskey Rebellion where he had to make difficult decisions, and even he faced criticisms from the citizens. Alexander Hamilton's economics plan faced a great deal of controversy as well, but in the end everything turned out relatively ok.
I find Helen's sixth point to be both concise and truthful. The concept still applies to today since people voice their opinions and discontents about government policies all the time, sometimes to an obnoxious extent.
ReplyDelete1. Hamilton’s plan addressed and benefited entrepreneurs and merchants, occupations based primarily in cities, as he believed this was the best way to boost the nation’s prosperity. However, the plan disregarded and did not provide any benefits for the common farmers.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: Built and created credit within the nation, fixed state debt issues, stimulated manufacturing industry, taxes increased national revenue.
Weaknesses: subordinated farmers, resulted in greater national debt, weakened agricultural industry.
3. The plan resulted in heated debates amongst the people, which includes the common citizens as well as government officials. There were always those who were firmly opposed to Hamilton’s plan and made certain that the other side of the argument was heard and spread. Also, debate arose when southerners, who felt particularly cheated by his plan, sought for their interests to be considered. Thus, the capital was moved further down south.
4. The national government was at that time completely experimental since no other system like it had been established previously. The Whiskey Rebellion was the first violent response to the culmination of government policies and programs. It forced upon the government the difficult decision of whether to use military force or not. The choice to use military force established the national government’s authority over the people.
5. The French Revolution presented a difficult situation for President George Washington and the United States. The U.S. government could assist France, who helped them during the American Revolution and shared a similar attitude towards Britain. However, the government still wanted to maintain international relations with other European countries for the purpose of commerce and trade.
6. The French Revolution inspired new ideas and practices among the Americans such as the role of women in society, and how the people should respond to oppression within their own country.
7. Washington’s presidency seemed to be filled entirely with political debate and tension between opposing voices. Constantly presented with difficult decisions, he was required to make wise decisions that kept the future of the country in mind. Whether it was domestic issues, such as the argument between Hamilton and Jefferson, or international issues such as the French Revolution, the government always ended up having to make choices while maintaining the stability of the country.
Melinh brought up a very very good point in number 5 about the need for the United States to protect the rights of its citizens. At the time, the U.S. was setting it's foundation, and it was truly important for the government to keep in mind the people's rights during this process. In addition, Vote Melinh Lai for president '12.
ReplyDelete1. Hamilton's belief that the Constitution was not "high-toned enough" is reflected in the fact that his plans mostly benefited the wealthier merchant class, and in the fact that his plans involved the central government's assumption of state debts in order to create credit. Obviously he was trying to push the government into a direction to make it more powerful.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: creation of credit, increased revenue, increased manufacturing/industry, more stability.
Criticisms: caused increased taxes, was unfair to the farmers and caused division between social classes, increased national debt tremendously.
3. Despite the passing of national government's assumption of state debts, argument continued due to the fact that several states had already paid much of their war debts. They believed it was unfair for certain states to pay other states' debts.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion related to the growth of the national government because it was the first test of how they would respond to problems. The government had to make its first major decision; whether or not to send troops to solve the problem. When troops were sent, it sent the message to the US citizens that the government was no longer weak and that rebellions such as these will no longer be tolerated.
5. The French Revolution, like the Whiskey Rebellion, provided a test for the US and its government. The US government was faced with the choice of supporting or not supporting France. While France was fighting for liberty just as the American colonies did, the US relied on European countries (several being enemies of the French) for trade. This diplomatic decision would provide Europe with a first impression of the United States.
6. The French Revolution had a significant impact on the lives of US citizens. The ongoing conflict in Europe caused people to pick a side (most chose the French side). The French Revolution also inspired Americans to protest against their own government.
7. The political climate that formed during Washington's presidency could more or less be summed up in one word; controversy. While the new government posed hopes for a bright future, the French Revolution, the Whiskey Rebellion, and Alexander Hamilton's economic plans caused internal conflict and controversy.
I think Laura made a very good point for question #6 about increased political participation. I thought Laura explained it well with her specific examples.
ReplyDelete1) Hamilton pushed the envelope on the Constitution and America with his crazy and wild economic plans and was clearly trying to push the central government to becoming more powerful.
ReplyDelete2)Strengths: creation of credit was, opened up more credit, increased revenue, provided stability, and started manufacturing.
Weaknesses: his plan was not fair, especially against farmers, created division in government and in people
3)Hamilton caused very heated debates to arise between the people and also between the government officials. Southerners began to rally under the opinion that northern commerce was taking precedence over their own agricultural economy. Then Hamilton proposed a national bank, which was never explicitly stated in the Constitution as a power of the federal government.
4)The farmers along with the merchants were greatly angered by the Whiskey tax. Whiskey was their biggest productand what earned them the majority of their profit. However, with this new tax created a big problem for the government as it was the first big rebellion they had to deal with.
1.
ReplyDeleteHamiliton's plans reflected this assertion because they aimed at benefitting the wealthy. Also, the fact that he wanted the national government to assume state debt shows this as well.
2. Strengths:
Credit
More stability
revenue
Weaknesses:
Doesn't benefit the farmers (in fact, it gets then really PO'd)
Hurt the business those who transported grain/whiskey
3. The debate ensued because Hamiliton introduced his idea of a national bank, which was considered unconstitutional by some. Also, certain states who had paid off their remaining war debt were especially angry when they heard they'd have to pay the remaining war debt of other states.
4.
The Whiskey Rebellion was the first test of the national government. It was the first time the people really revolted against the new American government and it was important because the administration had to decide how to react; they had to create a precedent. It contributed to the governments growth because it affirmed that they were in charge and the people had to stay "in their place."
5. The French Revolution was a test for the United States because they had to choose between France and Britain. It was kind of a "choose the lesser evil" situation. On one hand, they had Britain, a recent enemy. And then there was France, whose people were rising against their government- something the American government didn't want to encourage in the own country (like in the Whiskey Rebellion.)
6. The French Revolution may have encouraged ordinary American citizens to rise up against their government and fight for what they believed in. - Especially because the new economic program favored the wealthy.
7. The political atmosphere during this time was tense. Every decision they made was SO important. Of course, this is so in any presidency, but especially this one because they had to set the bar for the upcoming years. Every policy they passed set the foundation of an entire country. There really was no room for mistakes.
1. Hamilton’s radical economic plans added more power to the National government. He wanted the country to be able to have good credit and grow but there were problems within his plan.
ReplyDelete2. Strengths: Established good credibility in the country and created invested interest in the country. Allowed the country to be able to grow, this plan allowed the government to make money. Weaknesses: There was much opposition from farmers because they thought that the plan was unfair because they could not pay the taxes initiated. Also, it could create a bigger national debt because the government keeps borrowing money and never pays it all back. Ultimately it creates a division in our government.
3. Even though the national government passed in congress there was debate over assume state debt because some states already paid their debt or had less debt and did not want to pay for other states’ debt.
4. The Whiskey Rebellion Pennsylvania farmers spoke out against the government powers, especially the Whiskey tax. This was the first problem testing the new national government and their reaction to this obstacle showed their strength and authority, setting a good precedent for the future of the government.
5. The French Revolution presented a serious test for the United States because the US did not know whether or not to support it or not because it might be too dangerous and similar ideas might spread throughout the country.
6. The French Revolution affected ordinary people in the United States because common people began to get involved in political thoughts. They began to realize that they can have a powerful part and say in the government.
7. During Washington’s presidency there was a division in the government that began to form because of all of the conflicts that arose such as the French Revolution, Hamilton’s Plan, and Whiskey Rebellion. Washington was the first person to deal with problems like this and tried to deal with them as best he could while still being a strong leader for the country.
I agree with Carlee, especially on #4. I like how she talked about the different issues Washington was faced with. I also like how she brought up the comparison of the national government's strength compared to the way the British treated the colonists, it shows that the same actions are repeated throughout history.
ReplyDelete5) The French Revolution was an example of an unhappy people rebelling against the government. The American people as well as government supported the French public, but the Americans were not to take the French Revolution as an example of action to be taken. Also, going against England posed a serious threat on the US commerce and trade.
ReplyDelete6)The French Revolution affected the American public directly because the public was in support of the oppressed French people while they themselves were on the verge of major opposition with their own government. And the French people were taking a very violent approach to the issues that the American people were also having.
7) The political atmosphere during this time was tense. Every decision they made was crucial. Especially for this presidnecy because they had to set the bar for the upcoming years and establish a country. There really was no room for mistakes.
I agree with #7 in Tracy's post. I feel that she really seemed to understand what was going on and saw the issues that Washington was faced with in the time of the French Revolution.
ReplyDelete#1.) Hamilton’s radical financial solution seemed extreme, and nearly unconstitutional to many. By creating public credit, national debt wasn’t actually being paid off. This extreme idea pushed the limits of Constitutional law, which showed that it wasn’t high-toned enough. By allowing bond holders to cash in at face value, Hamilton increased the revenue.
ReplyDelete#2.) Strengths: Established public credit, increased national revenue through taxation, ‘fixed’ debt crisis, stimulated industrial / manufacturing economy, stabilized foreign trade
Criticisms: Lower class and farmers can’t pay taxes - angry!, creates division between social classes, national debt is never actually paid - government borrows more and more money without paying it back, and essentially increasing debt.
#3.) Although passed in Congress, conflict remained concerning the justice of the act. States that had already paid off their war debts felt that it was not their responsibility to contribute in paying off the debts of other states as well. A compromise was reached, establishing the capitol further south and forming the separate district that is Washington DC.
#4.) Angry farmers, who distilled their crops and shipped it in the form of whiskey out of convenience, felt targeted by the government, who unfairly imposed this tax on those who could not afford it. When mass riots grew out of control, the government was forced to suppress them with military force. This show of power frightened the public, and established a standard of respect for it among the people.
#5.) The United States, declared neutral in the conflict between France and England, faced serious conflict in appeasing both sides with which it upheld economic relations. Because both France and England continued to confiscate American ships for goods and recruit Americans for their navy forces, the U.S. government was forced to fight for America’s neutrality.
#6.) The French Revolution inspired people to advocate their beliefs concerning governmental activity. Many countries followed America’s and France’s example by revolutionizing their governments.
#7.) Washington’s presidency set a standard for future administrations. Power was nationalized, and the federal government became more centralized.
Chris M's take on Washington's presidency goes into deeper detail, and really explains how Washington's decisions on certain issues effected the political climate.
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