Adams Domestic Policy

Shaina Fober

Although political divisions first emerged over domestic issues, they deepened

during a series of crises over foreign policy that reopened the troublesome issue of

America’s relationship with Great Britain. Domestic and foreign policy were, however,

never entirely separate, since decisions in one area frequently carried implications for the

other. Foreign and domestic policy (1789-1803) spans from the foreign affairs of

Washington, to Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase. Between these times is the Election of

1796, Adams’s administration, concerning a variety of perspectives of historical figures

on financial policies and foreign countries, such as the Alien Act and Louisiana Purchase

Treaty, were all in relation to the restrictions and powers of
However, it seems strange in

retrospect, that the Adams administration had a president from one party (Federalist) and

vice-president from another (Republican). But Adams and Jefferson had been allies in the

struggle for independence and, in the 1780’s, deepened their bonds while serving together

as diplomats in Europe. Most important, problems with France remained pressing. After

hearing about Jay’s Treaty, the French, who began seizing American ships bound for

England, would not recognize the neutral rights of American ships and in December 1796

refused to accept the new American minister to France.

As the war fever grew, Adams fell into Washington’s old position, regarding

critics of his government as rebellious people who put their confidence in France rather

than their own government. Federalists in Congress went further, passing a series of