Good Guy Presidents

  • Washington: Married Martha Custis

    Washington married Martha Custis, a widow. The two never had children, but Martha's two children died (one at 16, the other in his 20's)
  • Washington: Opposition to the Navigation Acts

    Washington stringently opposed the Navigation Acts and other economic controlling laws forced by the British upon the Americans.
  • Washington: Continental Congress

    First Continental Congress: Began drafting the Declaration of Independence and a Constitution
  • Washington: Valley Forge

    Washington and his army live through a grueling winter after suffering two major losses to the British in the Revolutionary War.
  • James Madison's "Virginia Plan"

    During the Philadelphia Convention on May 14, 1787, James Madison's "Virginia Plan" became the blueprint for the constitution
  • Washington: Constitutional Convention

    Washington was elected to preside over the convention that eventually replaced the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution that we know today.
  • The Federalist Papers

    Started by Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers were written in conjugation with James Madison and John Jay. Madisons Views on the requirement of a strong central government and a system of checks and balances were outlined in these documents. First publications of The Federalist Papers debuted in three different New York newspapers starting on October 28, 1787.
  • Washington: Diplomacy tactics

    Washington established a policy of forging treaties and THEN asking Congress for approval. He also sent ambassadors to foreign countries without Congressional approval.
  • Washington: Economic Policies

    Washington was torn between two of his advisors, Hamilton and Jefferson, on economic policy. He spent most of his presidency trying to find a line between the two.
  • Washington: Indian Wars

    Battle of Fallen Timbers crushed 7 tribes and allowed the US to gain large amounts of land.
  • George Washington takes office

    Inaugurated as president
  • Period: to

    Antebellum Presidents

  • Washington: Quit British army

    Washington quit the British army as all colonists were blamed for losing a battle.
  • Washington: Int'l Affairs

    Washington formed a navy after the Barbary Pirates from Algiers started to ask for protection money on the American ships.
  • James Madison During the Adams Presidency

    Led the republican fight against the Alien and Sedition Acts and also wrote the Virginia Resoultions that declared the laws unconstitutional.
  • J. Adams signs Alien & Sedition Acts

    J. Adams signs Alien & Sedition Acts
    Signed the Act. Was heavily criticized for it but he did not enforce it.
  • J. Adams vs. Public

    J. Adams vs. Public
    "My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived."
  • Quasi-War

    Quasi-War
    False war with the French which resulted in a build-up of the U.S. Navy. French cut off commercial relations with U.S.(economic).
  • Principles of '98

    Principles of '98
    Opposing the Aliens and Sedation acts, they were used as a challenge to federal power by Republicans.
  • J. Adams pardons Fries' Rebellion

    J. Adams pardons Fries' Rebellion
    He gave amnesty to all participants provided they pay the fine.
  • Jefferson's Presidency

    Jefferson's Presidency
    He won largely due to the 3/5ths clause.
  • T.J. Economic

    T.J. Economic
    During his first term he managed to reduce taxes and the national debt.
  • Jefferson's Inaugurational address

    Jefferson's Inaugurational address
    Pleaded for national unity
  • Jefferson re-elected

    Jefferson re-elected
    Won by a landslide after a sucessful first term.
  • "Man of the People"

    "Man of the People"
    Well like by the general public and his policies were generally accepted.
  • James Madison: Econony

    Madison's support for Washington became different after he started to favor commerical and finacial interests over agragarian. Madison broke away from the Federalists and joined the Democratic-Republicans. During his presidency, he favored agragarian flourishment over commercial.
  • James Madison: Foreign Policy (Diplomatic)

    During Jefferson's presidency, Madison favored the emargo act over Britain and France and supported the Louisianna Purchase.
  • War of 1812 (Madison Presidency)

    The decleration of war greatly contributed to Madison's reelection into office. During the War of 1812, Madison handled problems as well as Lincoln will during the Civil War. The respect for the American Rights on the high seas increased and proved to Britain the dangers of fighting a war against Americans.
  • James Madison Presidency: Battle at Fort McHenry

    Before the Battle at Fort McHenry, british forces occupied areas from Georgia to maine and tried to burn down the White House and other government buildings in retaliation for Canadian Parlaiment buildings in York. After the Battle at Fort McHenry, The Star Spangled Banner was written and patriotism in America grew.
  • James Madison's Rechartering of the Second National Bank

    With Madison's Support, the Second National Bank was chartered, symbolizing Madison's symapthy towards his past Federalist views.
  • Jackson: The Corrupt Bargain

    Jackson loses his presidential bid even with a majority with the Popular vote due to Henry Clay & Adams' influence in the House of Representatives.
  • Jackson: Wins Presidency

    Jackson defeated Adams' highly unpopular presidential campaign and becomes the first Westerner president.
  • Jackson: Rachel Donelson Passes Away

    In 1828, Rachel Donelson (Jackson's wife) passed away. She died due to the slander and libel thrown against Jackson during his campaign.
  • Jackson: Inauguration

    Jackson's inauguration reception at his house turned into a huge riot over the punch availability. He was accused of being a rowdy common-man.
  • Jackson: Van Buren Reward

    Jackson rewards Van Buren with a status of Minister to Great Britain for resigning during the Eaton affair.
  • Jackson: Pet Banks

    Jackson took Federal money from Biddle's Bank and deposited it into State Chartered banks, bringing attention to him and calling them "pet banks."
  • Jackson: Bank Wars

    Jackson vetoed a recharter for Nicholas Biddle's bank, showing supremacy in Federal run banks.
  • Jackson: Texas

    Jackson fails negotiations with Mexico and doesn't recognize the American revolt there.