Ironclad Federalism

[Spamage]

I'm about to complete my first TL 2008: An election of firsts within, likely, the week. This timeline will be based on the premise that George Washington ends his Presidency after 1 term but a precedent doesn't necessarily form. I do realize there's a lot of TL's similar to this even one that had this very same divergence but I have been working on this for several months. I've outlined well into the mid-1800's and written most of the beginning. I hope I don't offend anyone  ........ here goes nothing.....

[Spamage]

Ironclad Federalism



In early 1791 George Washington wrote a letter to his wife Martha while he was in Philadelphia tending to the Government. In this excerpt of the letter President Washington revealed one of the most defining moments in American History:

   “How can I, the first President, set the precedent by serving more than 1 term. The infant  nation gained freedom from a tyrant and does not need one in replacement. The thought of a second term is daunting so I shall tell my supporters 1 term is enough. The office is greater than 1 man, its just as great as our nation and therefore will be treated as so…”

 

On August 6th, 1792 Washington gave an address in front of Congress announcing publicly that he would only serve one term. In the very same speech he gives his recommendation that his Vice President, John Adams, succeed him in the office. He also gives high remarks to both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, his Secretary of Treasury and Secretary of State, respectively. Washington made one last plea in the closing paragraphs of his speech, he stated:

“I pray that you, my brothers, may find your way without petty ideas such as parties, the nation needs not to be divided.”

 Congress was greatly shocked. The Hero of the Revolution and First President was going to only serve one term. When news reached major ports and cities in the United States many people are saddened. The prospect of America moving forward without Washington was daunting. He had served his nation since the 1770’s and it would be the first time he would no longer hold the reins of the ever moving carriage that was America.  



By late September Adams announces he will seek the Presidency to his close family and friends. During the early stages of the campaign he receives a large portion of advice from Alexander Hamilton, who eventually becomes both a political ally and personal friend to the Vice President. By mid-October Thomas Jefferson makes no comitment in either direction of serving the presidency or not, in Washington’s cabinet him and Hamilton often got into heated debates and he refused to then back Adams who was backed by Hamilton. As the notion of choosing the Vice Presidents comes about Jefferson highly recommends John Henry, a relatively unknown Maryland Senator, while Adams chose Charles Cotesworth Pinckney in order to counterbalance the South which was heavily favored for Jefferson. Pinckney was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and has served in the Revolution. The campaign never heated up or even became substantial and when February finally arrived Congress Hall in Philadelphia was filled with the candidates, their prominent supporters, and the United States Congress.

When the final results were read Adams had been elected with a fair majority having gained 75 Electoral Votes. However, Charles Pinckney didn’t tie or even come close to Adams Electoral vote count. Much of the Northeast chose Hamilton as his Vice President therefore Pinckney’s count was almost half of Adams. Thomas Jefferson, the Former Secretary of State and detester of the Federal government, had now risen to the Vice Presidency.  



John Adams- 75 Electoral Votes
Thomas Jefferson- 56 Electoral Votes
John Henry- 48 Electoral Votes
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney- 47 Electoral Votes
Alexander Hamilton- 36 Electoral Votes

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Awesome stuff. I look forward to reading this in the future. Couple of things: back then, no candidate ever announced a run for the Presidency (except for an exception when Charles C. Pinckney straight up broke that rule, as I recall), they instead sat back, denied political ambitions, and allowed their surrogates to nominate them at the party caucus. In Jefferson's case, for example, his candidacy in 1796 was almost completely the work of Madison. Also, it's unlikely that the Republicans would nominated two Virginians. Not only does this lack regional balance, but VA's electoral votes would have to go to Jefferson and another candidate. Given it's 1792, the Republicans are likely to nominate who they did in RL for the Vice Presidency, NY Governor George Clinton.

Still, this is well written and well done. I look forward to seeing the first (of many?) Adams term.

[Spamage]

Awesome stuff. I look forward to reading this in the future. Couple of things: back then, no candidate ever announced a run for the Presidency (except for an exception when Charles C. Pinckney straight up broke that rule, as I recall), they instead sat back, denied political ambitions, and allowed their surrogates to nominate them at the party caucus. In Jefferson's case, for example, his candidacy in 1796 was almost completely the work of Madison. Also, it's unlikely that the Republicans would nominated two Virginians. Not only does this lack regional balance, but VA's electoral votes would have to go to Jefferson and another candidate. Given it's 1792, the Republicans are likely to nominate who they did in RL for the Vice Presidency, NY Governor George Clinton.

Still, this is well written and well done. I look forward to seeing the first (of many?) Adams term.

Good point, thanks for the advice I'll modify in a few more changes too make it more acurate

[Spamage]

First Term of John Adams Part 1



On March 6th, 1793 John Adams was sworn in as the second President of the United States. On March 16th, George Washington bid him, Jefferson, and the United States Congress a farewell and set of for his beloved estate Mt. Vernon. Adams then got down to his first official acts as President. He decided to change the cabinet from what it had been during Washington’s Administration. He would promote Alexander Hamilton to the position of his Secretary of State from his position as Secretary of the Treasury. For his successor Hamilton then suggested Oliver Wolcott Jr., one of his supporters and John Adams happily complied on the condition that Wolcott not attempt to undo Hamilton’s 1st Bank of the United States. Wolcott accepted. Randolph was appointed Attorney General and Pinckney to the position of Secretary of War based on his military experience in the Revolution. Congress approved all of them.



The biggest problem in the selection came when Henry Knox announced he wouldn’t be willing to return, however about a week later he changed his mind. By that time President Adams already appointed Charles Pinckney to replace him. Not wanting to lose his support however Adams designated him commander of the U.S. forces in the Indian Wars in the Northwest Territory. Knox, almost satisfied, requested an assistant in case he were to be either killed our wounded. In correspondence with Washington Adams brought up this issue and Washington suggested General Anthony Wayne. Knox approved, met with Wayne, and left Philadelphia the following Monday with a new regiment of soldiers to push back the Indians.

Almost immediately after his inauguration President Adams received word that France had declared war on England and the Netherlands. Within the United States many Americans became “War Hawks” overnight based on their interpretation of a Revolutionary War promise.  War worried Adams so on May 20th, 1793 he issued a Declaration of Neutrality and states the United States was willing to give assistance through trade to either side. Adams then also created the United States Navy, which would be administered by the War Department in any event of potential English Blockade or Invasion.  Jefferson, although unsatisfied agrees with the expansion of the military, since the majority was fighting the Indian Wars at the time.

The Summer eventually declines in interest until it becomes very tedious to the President. His personal climax was his several trips to the new capital city under construction, the District of Columbia. Adams pushed for Congress to add a “Washington” to the beginning and Congress did with nearly universal support.



Adams term was very quiet until the following Summer. Earlier in the Washington Administration Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury at the time, proposed a way for America to get out of debt. It involved the creation of the 1st Bank of the United States, the Federal Government assuming all war debts, and a whiskey tax. When Wolcott Jr. replaced Hamilton there was large calls from Pennsylvania for the tax to be removed but he had made an oath to Adams at the beginning of his term. The public grew so desperate that on August 14th, 1794 several farmers formed militant groups that refused to pay taxes. They tar and feathered several agents and the situation began escalating. President Adams is completely caught off guard and is unsure what to do with the situation. Both Hamilton and Jefferson, usually disagreeing on everything urge him to call George Washington out of retirement. Adams is unsure however writing in his Journal:

“Washington has had his time to lead, its my turn now.”

Finally after around a week of deliberation John Adams does indeed call President George Washington out of retirement to lead troops against the newly dubbed “Whiskey Revolt” however, Adams insists on being present, something he is highly advised against. As Washington begins preparing his troops new reaches the capital of The battle of Philadelphia occurring when protestors of James Macfarlane’s death at Bower Hill drew arms and clashed with Pittsburgh citizens. Many of the killed revolutionaries were poor and owned either little or no land.   Washington doubled his speed and along with Adams arrived near the Revolution by October. He commanded the militias of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in a joint effort. However the majority of the Maryland militia didn’t arrive in time as Washington left earlier after hearing about the battle of Philadelphia. Upon seeing the show of force by the former President and the current President the rebellion crumbled. Within hours of the standoff’s start the rebellions leaders fled and the militia assembled surrendered. After a week of searching several scouts found David Bradford hiding in the forest underbrush around ten miles away. Washington’s move didn’t remove all the rebels. On October 17th several soldiers were killed in a slight skirmish around 7 miles from the main encampment. Adams had just left to return to Philadelphia and Washington was preparing to journey back to Mt. Vernon. 3 Soldier were killed, following their deaths a group of around 30 men found the last rebel militia and massacred them. Washington was not pleased and punished the men, but they had brought the Whiskey Revolt to a close.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I have high hopes for the Adams Presidency, though he may tick off more than a few of his colleagues and advisors.

[Spamage]

The Jay Dispute




Across the Atlantic, near the same time as the Whiskey Revolt John Jay was negotiating the Jay Treaty in London, he was highly successful in managing to negotiate on several highly controversial issues. The British successfully negotiated the evacuation of their forts in the Northwest Territory and began to prohibit encouraging the Natives to assault Americans. Also they opened up several new trade agreements and had 2 new border commissions. The Americans agreed to giving Britain trading preference to France in return. However the biggest issue was the one not mentioned, American sailors were being impressed into service when British military personal raided their boat. Regardless, Jay and his treaty began their trip home in the early winter of 1794. The treaty would have dramatic effects when it returned home.

Meanwhile, in the cold winter months of 1794/1795 John and Abigail began discussing the prospect of him running for a second term. Abigail was highly supportive of the idea but John was more reluctant. He was worried about tainting Washington’s example and ruining the nation’s generally positive view of him. Abigail claimed Alexander Hamilton, who was away and yet was one of the Presidents most trusted advisors, would agree with her. Eventually he told Abigail he needed more time to think the issue through.

In spring 1795 the Jay Treaty arrived in Philadelphia, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton read it out loud and asked for the Senates consent. Thomas Jefferson, the President of the Senate, had a different opinion:

“The treaty trounces our most gracious allies, the French, for our bitterest of enemies, the English.”



Alexander Hamilton and his supporters, generally New Englanders grew worried when they realized Thomas Jefferson and the opposition were beginning to filibuster the Treaty. Calling on John Adams, Alexander Hamilton arranged a meeting with all the Senators and Representatives in favor of the Treaty and sharing the similar political beliefs. After 2 days of meetings they decided they would create a new political party “The Federalists” is what they began titling themselves. James Madison was the lone invitee to the meeting who refused to join the new Political Party. He was highly expected to though as he had essentially written the Constitution but instead he met with Jefferson the following day.  Together the called upon those who they believed were against the treaty. After a much longer meeting period they decided to style themselves the “Democratic-Republicans” to show that they were in favor of direct voting and yet also in preserving the republic. Members of neither party eventually were grouped into one or the other over the course of the following days and by the time the last man joined the Federalists the balance of power in Congress stood as such.

United States Senate
President: Thomas Jefferson-D.R.
President Pro Tempore: Ralph Izard-Fed.

Federalists-17
Democratic-Republicans-13

United States House of Representatives
Speaker of the House: Jonathan Dayton-Fed.

Federalists-55
Democratic-Republicans-50

Almost immediately Jefferson halted efforts to remove it and it passed through the Senate fairly quickly with the new political parties essentially streamlining the process of voting.

[Spamage]

The Election of 1796


By summer many members in the Federalist Party agreed Adams needed to run again, even though it may not end in his victory. Abigail Adams sent him a letter in late-1795 saying:



“Many men will follow your example. The young nation still needs guidance during these troubling times and you shall be the one that will give it to her. Jefferson will destroy the Federal government if he is given the reins so early on as he is highly opposed to it and there hasn’t been enough time for it to be planted firmly.”

The words of Abigail finally won him over. As the winter began approaching Adams began planning on telling the country he was willing and ready to serve again. He couldn’t allow any confusion to ruin his Vice Presidential position as it had in the previous election so he began carefully searching for the right man to be chosen for the job.

At the beginning of Winter outlook looked positive for the young nation. Trade was beginning to prosper and with the exception of the Barbary Coast and impressments by the British all was peaceful.

In January of 1796 Adams’ main potential rival Thomas Jefferson announced he would not run for the Presidency in 1796. He had hated the tedious, tiring, and partisan job of Vice-President. His address to his supporters was short but he did manage to highly recommend James Madison, who then began his campaign in February. Soon after he announced Senator Aaron Burr would be his personal choice for Vice President.

Finally in May John Adams  announces he will serve a second term privately to his Federalist colleagues. Although not prohibited by the constitution it was widely believed he’d follow George Washington’s one term precedent. Later he announces to his supporters he has chosen a new Vice Presidential Nominee, Henry Tazewell. Tazewell was the President Pro Tempore and was from South Carolina where Adams wanted votes.



The Election of 1796 proved to be one of the most bitter in American History. The Democratic-Republicans branded Adams as a tyrant as he was breaking Washington’s one term precedent and Madison promised he would only serve 1 term if elected. They used many controversial ideas in branding their message including several times when Madison called Adams “akin to George III”. Adams on the other hand cited the Democratic-Republican’s party’s ambitions for War with Britain, peace with France. He then claimed America’s power would be reduced by being involved in a very risky war of un-aggravated expansion.

The results were highly anticipated by all involved in the Election. By the time they were to be read in Congress the Democratic-Republicans became confident of an impending victory and James Madison began planning who would fill each cabinet position. Adams on the other hand braced himself for defeat and wrote much correspondence to his wife at home in Massachusetts. Hamilton encouraged him to have a more positive outlook on the situation but Adams refused. He wallowed in a defeat that may not have occurred.

Finally the results came in. John Adams had won reelection for a second term as President of the United States. He gained 2 electoral votes from the election of 1792 but they were cancelled out essentially by Tennessee’s votes. Also Tazewell had won the Vice Presidency even though some of the New England delegation chose Madison over him because of Madison’s role in the Constitution which was highly popular due to the addition of the Senate. South Carolina had saved him.



John Adams-Fed. 77 Electoral Votes
James Madison-D.R. 57 Electoral Votes

[Spamage]

I realize this is long dead but if anyone is interested in reading the continued version of this it can be found here- http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=256801