Creation of the CabinetBeing the president, George Washington needed people from the executive branch to give him assistance in the functioning of the government. These people would be his advisors for specific tasks. He appointed Thomas Jefferson, who later became the 3rd president, secretary of state. He made Alexander Hamilton secretary of the treasury. He also appointed Henry Knox as secretary of war, and Edmund Randolph as attorney general. He called these people his "cabinet", and every president to this day still have meetings with their cabinet members.
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Hamilton Vs. Jefferson[Source]Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were completely opposites, and they disagreed on everything. Hamilton was a federalist and Jefferson was an Anti-Federalist, which was the main difference between the two. Jefferson believed that the states deserved more rights and he was against the idea of a national bank. Hamilton believed that the government should have more power and came up with the idea of having the Bank of the United States. Hamilton argued for neutrality, while Jefferson wanted to support France.
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Bank of the United StatesThe idea of creating a national bank was a big issue. Alexander Hamilton came up with the plan for the establishment of the Bank of the United States. He, of course, was in favor of this. Thomas Jefferson, along with the Democratic-Republicans, was against the idea because he states that nothing in the Constitution says to create a bank. He believes that the federal government's power should be limited. Hamilton won this argument by managing to convince George Washington, thus creating the Bank of the United States.
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Neutrality ProclamationIn 1793, war in Europe broke out between several European countries and the French. George Washington had to make a decision on whether or not America should be involved. Thomas Jefferson was not in favor of neutrality because he believed that it was sort of like betrayal to the French. Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, called for U.S. neutrality, because he didn't want America to increase the tension with the British. George Washington decided to go with Hamilton's idea and made America stay neutral with the Neutrality Proclamation of 1793.
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Whiskey RebellionIn need of money, the government had placed and excise tax on whiskey. This was called the Whiskey Rebellion. This act angered many farmers in western Pennsylvania. They protested by doing things like tarring and feathering tax collectors and destroying buildings. George Washington was was not happy and quickly sent military support to stop the protesters. The government had enough power to end this rebellion.
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Jay's TreatyAmerican ships were being captured and impressed by the British and the French. Jay's Treaty was designed to stop that, but it failed to do so. The impressment did not stop, but the treaty managed to remove British forts in the west. The French just became more angry and increased their harassment.
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Pinckney's TreatyBecause of the conflict with Spain, George Washington sent Thomas Pinckney to do three things. He was to settle boundary lines, negotiate the right to navigate along the Mississippi River and the right to be able to import and export goods using the Port of New Orleans. The negotiations were successful and removed Spain as a threat. This was named Pinckney's Treaty.
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Farewell AddressGeorge Washington left office after giving his Farewell Address in 1797. His speech was popular because of the advice he gives to the people of America. He tells the new nation to avoid conflict with Europe, avoid entangling alliances, and not form political parties.
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