Eastern North America in the 17 th century was taken over by the European Nations. However, the situation changed in 1780 when the majority of the British colonies rebelled and established new nations that led to the United States of America. The British maintained their rule in modern-day Canada and the old French Colony that had fallen to the British. By 1789, the United States was formed but the rest of the continent remained under the Spanish who were centered in Mexico. Some of the Native Americans were drawn into the conflict between the Europeans. The revolution led to significant changes in American society.
The end of the revolution was marked by a push to the western side of the continent with regions like New York turning to be the new frontier. The American citizens acquired land in this area that they used for productive purposes. Despite the achievement that they made, the lands had no access roads, homes, fields, and pasture. The citizens needed to work hard in order to survive. Land transactions increased as some of the landholders in the east disposed of their property in order to move to the new frontier at the west.
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On February 4, 1789, the first American presidential election was held where voters chose their state electors. All Americans were not allowed to vote and it was only the white property holders who could vote in the election. George Washington carried the day and was immediately sworn in. The country used the Electoral College system which is still in use today. The Electoral College chooses the president and the vice president whereas all other elective posts are voted by citizens using a direct popular vote (Bean, 2009). The first congress held its meeting at the Federal Hall in New York City was held on March 4 th . Regular sessions commenced two months later.
The newly formed house of representatives appoints Frederick Muhlenberg to be the first speaker. The government began its official duties on March 4 th , 1789 in Federal Hall New York. The first president was inaugurated on April 30 the vice president was John Adams (Waldrep & Bellesiles, 2006). The Supreme Court was created five months following the inauguration of George Washington and on the following day, the Congress submitted the bill of right s to the state. George Washington gave the first state of the union address in January 1790.
The Americans were of the opinion that the constitution could lead to consensus but the country was still exposed to political, economic and diplomatic issues that led to partisan politics. The Congress had a difficult task ahead which includes securing funds, enacting bills, establishing a working government and executive departments and setting up the judiciary. The bill of rights was spearheaded by James Madison who was also instrumental in the adoption of the revenue act of 1789. In 1791 the states actualized ten amendments that led to the constitution. Congress was instrumental in all activities and it organized the executive arm which had three departments; treasury, war, and state (Bean, 2009). The judiciary act led to the establishment of the Supreme Court and also defined federal jurisdiction in addition to creating district and courts of appeal. It also allowed cases from state courts to be appealed at the federal courts.
Following his inauguration, Washington was cautious of his actions. He appointed Alexander Hamilton to the position of secretary of the treasury. Hamilton believed in nationalism and cynicism and he was determined to rid the government all the debts in full. He was also determined to gain the support of the securities holders using the authority of the national government (Waldrep & Bellesiles, 2006). He also spearheaded for a national bank. His policies attracted significant debate but he finally succeeded. However, his report that was intended to protect infant industries was rejected by the Congress.
Washington administration questioned the authority of the Congress to enact laws that were not authorized by the constitution. On one occasion when farmers protested the tax on whiskey distilled from their grains, the president used force to demonstrate the power of the national government. Managing the affairs of the administration was not a smooth sail. There were divisions with one side supporting Hamilton while the other supported Jefferson.
The U.S was determined to maintain strong economic ties with Britain which was regarded as an enemy of the French revolution. Disagreements emerged concerning the response of the country to the French revolution leading to partisan politics. However, the two sides were of the opinion that the U.S. should be impartial especially after the president was called by Edmund Genet (Bean, 2009). The democratic and republican societies were opposed to the policies of the administration leading to the development of the initial formal political dissent in the country. The politicians were instrumental in the emergence of political parties.
In 1794 a treaty with Britain was negotiated. The objective was to resolve the existing differences between the two countries. Despite strong opposition, the treaty was finally approved by Congress. Democratic-Republicans from the middle and south states were optimistic of the democratic space experienced in the country (Waldrep & Bellesiles, 2006). They were also willing to embrace individualism. Federalist who was from the commercial class, however, was fearful about the new developments.
When Washington left office, he encouraged the country to maintain strong commercial ties as opposed to political relations. He rallied his fellow countrymen to support the federalist and reject the democratic-republicans. In the 1796 election, John Adams a federalist had worn the presidency. However, a democratic-republican was elected the vice president due to the constitutional requirements. The Federalists were determined to capitalize on the rage held against the government for fighting an undeclared war with France in the Caribbean water (Waldrep & Bellesiles, 2006). They passed four laws that suppressed dissent and checked the growth of the Republican Party. The 1800 election ended in a draw between Jefferson and Aaron Burr after 35 ballots. The house of representative that was dominated by the federalist however settled for Jefferson.
Waldrep & Bellesiles (2006) covered a wide history of the U.S. from the end of the British rule to the modern day debate on the death penalty. The book documented American violence and is one of its kind written in the last 30 years. the authors gathered information from a wide range of sources that enhanced readership and understanding of the different events that shaped the U.S. Christopher Waldrep is a professor of history and has authored many books including Nightriders, defending community in the black patch, roots of disorder, race and criminal justice in the American south, the many faces of judge lynch civil rights era among others. He has worn the Hughes-Gossett award and is the founder and senior editor of H-Law. Michael Bellesiles is a professor and author of several books on American history. Some of his collections include 1877 and A people’s history of the U.S. military.
Jonathan Bean is a professor of History at the University of Illinois and author of different books including; big government and affirmative action, beyond the broker state: federal policies toward small business, 1936-1961. His book race and liberty in America shows the developments of civil rights in the U.S. which is currently analyzed under progressive liberalism and conservatism. The author tries to show how the historical context does not fit into the two categories. According to him, a clear understanding of the liberal tradition is essential for an accurate understanding of the historical developments.
References
Bean, J. (2009). Race and liberty in America . Lexington: University Press of Kentucky.
Waldrep, C., & Bellesiles, M. (2006). Documenting American violence . Oxford: Oxford University Press.
