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Washington’s inauguration
The United States of America had just voted George Washington, a general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, to be president. In his speech, Washington included the phrase “So help me God” and then kissed the Bible after he was sworn into office. -
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Start of political parties
Two political parties stated to appear in Congress. One party, called the Federalists, was supporters of Washington, liked Hamilton’s economic program and wanted to have close ties with Britain. The other party, called Republicans, were nicer to France than Britain and believed more in democratic self-government -
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Formation of the Whig Party
This party was against the views of the Democratic Party. Whigs were united behind the American System, believing that a protective tariff, a national bank, and aid to internal improvements. The party was the strongest in the Northeastern part of the country. -
Know-Nothing Party established
This political party was a secret organization and was called the Know-Nothings because that was there answer if somebody asked if they anything about the organization. Know-Nothings were against slavery, immigrants and Catholics. -
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Formation of Republican Party
The modern day Republican Party was formed as a result of numerous parties combined together. Free soilers, Know-Nothings, Whigs and Northern Democrats are responsible for the Republican Party. All the parties shared the idea that the expansion of slavery was wrong and should be stopped.