History - Launching the New Republic, 1788-1800 - Essay Example

Launching the New Republic After the 1789 elections which saw President George Washington take office, the Americans largely came together knowing that they had a new dawn in the country under new leadership. This did not last long though, the government, through Alexander Hamilton pushed for policies and measures meant to authority on its federal and executive levels. These policies were against uniting the Americans as argued by many; it favored a few ignoring others. These caused furious oppositions from the natives and were assisted by other nations.

Hamilton, who was one of Washington’s cabinet who took advantage of Washington’s avoidance of the domestic affairs to put up the policies. His main target was on Britain and Spain who could cause war any time damaging the country. He sets up the policies which saw the country’s self-sufficiency and uphold a very strong merchant marine, so that incase of anything, they can survive the threats. He also wanted the support of the citizens by using their financial interests to influence them.

In the Alien and Sedition Act, he provides that “ That if any persons shall unlawfully combine or conspire together, with intent to oppose any measure or measures of the government of the United States, which are or shall be directed by proper authority, or to impede the operation of any law of the United States, or to intimidate or prevent any person holding a place or office in or under the government of the United States, from undertaking, performing or executing his trust or duty, and if any person or persons, with intent as aforesaid, shall counsel, advise or attempt to procure any insurrection, riot, unlawful assembly, or combination, whether such conspiracy, threatening, counsel, advice, or attempt shall have the proposed effect or not, he or they shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor” (Sedition Act).

This was meant to undermine any forces which could come up against the government. It was also serving to avoid war but was never used until 1812 (Paul, 2005) Hamilton’s ways were largely controversial to the natives. On the debts to the state, Hamilton suggested the sale of western land to repay the foreigners. He also wanted the sale of securities to settle debts owed to the Americans. Virginia was promised to move the state capital to their state and hence supported Hamilton’s unpromising moves.

The General Assembly of Virginia resolves that, “That this assembly most solemnly declares a warm attachment to the Union of the States, to maintain which it pledges all its powers; and that for this end, it is their duty to watch over and oppose every infraction of those principles which constitute the only basis of that Union, because a faithful observance of them, can alone secure its existence and the public happiness” (The Virginia Resolution). Virginia’s support was not enough though; there were more states that rejected his moves.

Those who were loyal to him called themselves the Federalists, even though Hamilton’s ways were on a centralized government (Paul, 2003).The natives started turning against the government. Even within the cabinet, Jefferson and Madison were never in agreement with Hamilton’s controversies and formed The Republican Party, which was not political but led into a political split which saw Jefferson resign from the cabinet. Spain and Britain gained power over America and even started invading some of their states, helping the natives in going against the government.

The pressure forced Washington to retire in 1796 and elections had to be done between Federalist John Adams and Republican Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson lost by three votes. Another election was done in 1800, with France accepting to make peace, Jefferson and Aaron won against Adams. Later, Jefferson won against Aaron when the union was rebuked (David, 2005) After the revolutions, great changes started occurring; there was improvement in economic and social sector, Indians reduced in number and the few started selling alcohol, African Americans were granted their freedom and South Carolina and Georgia began developing cotton industries.

This shows a full improvement to the American republic ReferencesPaul, S. Clifford, C. Sandra, M. (2003) Enduring Vision: A History of the American People.Wadsworth Publishing.David M. (2005) Knowing History and Knowing Who We Are, Remarks. Phoenix, Arizona Hillsdale College National Leadership Seminar.