John Adams (contd.)

Alien and Sedition Acts- The Alien and Sedition Acts were possibly the most controversial law Adams passed. The Alien was a strict set of Fedralist laws designed to hurt Democrats. And the Sedition stated that nobody could say or publish anything bad about the government. This violated the First Amendment (specifically the freedom of speech and press)

XYZ Affair- John Adams wanted to talk to France so he could ask them to stop attacking our ships. France wanted a bribe just so Adams could talk to France. Adams was outraged, so he declined and built up the navy to protect U.S. Ships

Jay's Treaty- Britian was constantly attacking our ships trading with anyone else, and we needed it to stop. So, we came with Jay's Treaty as a compromise

Major Events

Alien Act stopped French immigrants from coming to United States

Both XYZ affair and Jay's treaty dealt with U.S. Ships