Presidential Elections
why they were hard at first
The First Few Presidents Had it Rough
International Problems
French vs. British
One solution they came up with in 1807 was to stop the American ships from being attacked was an embargo, stopping trading with other nations. In 1809 they repealed the embargo because it was hurting the American economy. James Madison offered in exchange for not attacking American ships, they United States would stop trading with the other country's enemy.
Closer to Home
The First Three
George Washington
As the nations first president, he had no example to follow, the Americans had started something brand new and all their own. He was a role model for future presidents and all patriots. He believed in isolationism as a key to being a strong nation and surviving amongst all the war. Thanks to him, other people had some ideals to uphold.
John Adams
Adams had big shoes to fill stepping in after George Washington. There were still many things unknown and challenging. One of the things he accomplished was establishing a new treaty with France, ending the alliance of 1778 they had put in place during the Revolutionary War. He was also the first president to live in the White House, as the nations capitol moved to Washington D.C. in 1800
Thomas Jefferson
The tie Thomas Jefferson had with Aaron Burr in the presidential election brought new things to the table. 12th Amendment was added as a direct effect of the tie. When France and Britain were attacking American ships and taking the sailors to serve as soldiers. Jefferson had to pick, stay with Washingtons isolationism, or choose a new route for America.
ITS HARD TO START ANY COUNTRY
EARLY U.S. CHALLENGES
- Other Nations
- Attacking American ships and sailors
- Giving Natives Guns
- Having their revolutions
- Political Parties
- Lack of Funds
- Many thought a strong national army could be used to take away peoples liberty