Assess the presidency of George Washington and John Adams in terms of Essay

Assess the presidency of George Washington and John Adams in terms of domestic and foreign policy, as well as the challenges they faced when they became president - Essay Example s plan, which had far reaching impacts how the national debt, excise taxes, protective tariffs on imports, and as far the management of the national purse, national bank, was to be handled (Ferling (a)11-23). Washington was a unifying factor and rallied the nation towards avoiding war, a fact that destabilized the strength of the nation regarding foreign relations. His first major challenge touched on his conduct with reference to Jay’s Treaty, signed with England-a treaty that infuriated the public leaving a trail of questions to the extent to which United States would be an influencing agent in international affairs. Nevertheless, putting into practice the Hamilton’s plan strengthened economic prospects domestically. He did quell the Whiskey Rebellion, which was sparked off by the levying of excise taxes, reminding people that federal concerns superseded local thoughts in the new republic. Generally, Washington’s tenure was a success as he steered the young nat ion through a delicate beginning (Ferling (b) 55). Reeling under the influence and successes of predecessor Washington, John Adams assumed power promising to modernize the US economy through promotion of education as well as keeping peace with foreign powers. However, his tenures ran into trouble with factions supporting US-British alliance and those sympathetic of France in a war that began in 1793 between the two neighbors. Stymied by a congress controlled much by his opposes, Adams stood his ground, devoting his best to the development of his country (Ferling (b) 87). Wearing Washington’s shoes, he knew too well the unpreparedness of his nation to fight outside wars. As such he sacrificed his popularity to settle â€Å"quasi-war† with France through his son Quincy Adams (Grant 71). His best remembered as a diplomat who contributed immensely in shaping Americas foreign policy in line with ardent nationalist policies tailored towards America’s republican values. His administration upheld and