Chapter 8: Washington and early successors

As the new nation’s first leader, George Washington is responsible for funding and setting the government in motion, establishing the major agencies, selecting leaders for each, building a militia, and managing delicate foreign affairs, especially with Britain. His successes are many.

His successor is the acerbic Massachusetts’ Federalist, John Adams, who avoids war with France, backs unpopular sedition acts, and appoints John Marshall to head the High Court.

Then comes a consecutive run of twenty-four years (1801-1825) known as the “Virginia Dynasty.”

It begins with Thomas Jefferson who favors States’ Rights, an agrarian economy, and westward expansion (1803 Louisiana Purchase). His effort to achieve neutrality between France and England ends with the disastrous Embargo Act of 1808.

Then two more aristocratic plantation owners, James Madison and James Monroe. The former crafts The Bill of Rights and wins the War of 1812, finally guaranteeing the nation’s safety. Monroe reinforces the global power theme by announcing his Doctrine which prohibits all foreign intrusions in North and South America.

In 1820, Monroe literally runs unopposed, winning every Electoral Vote save one cast by New Hampshire renegade, William Plumer, who violates his pledge saying that only George Washington deserves unanimous acclimation.