John Adams Administration - Domestic Issues
Domestic Issues
The United States was just 20 years old, and the Constitution eight, when Adams began his presidency. Foreign issues would command the young nation's attention during the next four years. Europe was embroiled in war and revolution. Despite peace treaties with both Great Britain and France, both countries were attacking U.S. ships on the high seas and impressing U.S. sailors into foreign naval service (See also, Foreign Issues). Adams immediately faced questions concerning development of the U.S. Navy and the military.
The country debated how to maintain its independence. Federalists, largely comprising Americans in growing urban areas, favored a strong national government to support the development of commerce. Republicans, which included farmers and frontiersmen, equated a strong national government with a monarchy and lack of support for their local, agrarian needs. As a farmer who grew up within...
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