Chapter 6

The Adams Family Moves to Washington

Living in the New Capital

John Adams was the first President to live in the President’s House in Washington, D.C.◦ Called the Executive

Mansion◦ It would be another 100

years until it was officially called the White House It wasn’t even white at the

beginning…it was gray

◦ Moves in toward the end of his term as President

Not the Prettiest CityAbigail Adams arrived

after John had already moved in◦ She had some problems

with the city◦ Only a city in name◦ What does that mean?◦ What were some of these

problems? Buildings were spread out and

unfinished Roads were muddy (the city

was still under construction) The President’s house was

damp (no wood for fireplaces)

Some Positives

Some of the rooms were beautiful even unfinished◦ Knew they would only

look better when they were complete

The city was in a beautiful spot◦ Abigail Adams could see

the potential for improvement

◦ Once improved it would be an impressive city

Named WashingtonGeorge Washington

had started construction of the city

He died in 1799◦ The nation was

shocked and mourned together

Decided to rename Federal City in honor of the president

Chapter 7About President Adams

A Portrait as a Biography

Describe Adams’ pose and attitude in this painting.

What clues tell you about this attitude?

What other objects or symbols do you see in the painting?

One of the most Human PresidentsWhat does that

mean?He had both

good and bad qualities

President 1797-1801◦ Was 61 when he

took office◦ Thomas Jefferson

was his Vice President

Good QualitiesWhat were some of Adams’ good

qualities?◦Brave◦Intelligent◦Patriotic◦Always did what he thought was

right (not always what was popular)◦Independent

Is that always a good thing?

Some Bad Qualities

What were some things about John Adams that weren’t so good?◦ Vain◦ Didn’t trust the people

What political party does that belief fall under?

◦ Had a temper◦ Away from the capital a

lot (385 days in four years)

WarFrance and England were fighting

◦Some people wanted America to become allies with the French Why? They had been our allies in the

Revolution

◦Other people wanted America to side with the British Why? They still had old ties with England from

when they were colonies

War during Washington’s Term

The British and French were both capturing American ships◦The British also kidnapped American sailors to

serve in the British navy◦Called impressment◦Claimed that the sailors they took were actually

British sailors who had jumped shipWashington sent John Jay (Chief Justice) to

England to make peace with the British◦The Jay Treaty settled some small disputes with

the British◦But the British did not agree to stop taking

American ships

War during Washington’s Term

Washington got rid of the alliance with France that was established in 1778◦ Stated that the United States would

be friendly with both England and France

◦ Called the Proclamation of Neutrality France sent an ambassador to

America ◦ Edmond Genet◦ The government wasn’t very

welcoming to him◦ So he wanted to talk directly to the

people◦ Washington asked the French to

remove him Why wouldn’t Washington want him to talk

to the people?

He Kept Us Out of WarAdams followed Washington’s lead and

kept the United States neutralThis angered the French

◦Why?◦The French continued stopping American ships

How would you react to this?◦Even more people than before now wanted to

fight for the British◦Especially Alexander Hamilton◦What side do you think Jefferson was on?◦He lost some support from his own Federalist

party

XYZ Affair

Adams sent a delegation of 3 people to negotiate a treaty with France◦ 1797◦ John Marshall, Charles C.

Pickney, Elbridge Gerry◦ To get the French to stop

capturing American ships

French agents offered a treaty at a price

•They required a bribe of $250,000 and a loan of $10 million • Paid to Charles

Maurice de Talleyrand• French foreign

minister•They refused

Quasi-War

What does that term mean?◦ Not a real war

Adams built up the navy to protect American ships from the French◦ They were given permission to

attack French ships◦ There were several naval

battles◦ But war was never officially

declared◦ The unofficial conflict ended in

1800