Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 for kids - History and Background
The Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 were the result of deep concerns over the violent
events and terror of the
French Revolution, the wave of hostility towards France
following the insult and humiliation of the
XYZ Affair and the naval
Quasi War
with France. All of these events contributed to the suspicion of
foreigners.
Reason for the
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 for kids - The Federalists
Reasons for the Alien
and Sedition Acts: The laws were instigated by the
Federalists under
the excuse of National Security and the fear of the 'enemy within'.
It was aimed at making the nation safe for trade and wealthy men of
property. The Federalist political party, led by Alexander Hamilton,
Gouverneur Morris and John Adams
believed that once the people had elected their political leaders,
no one should publicly criticize them.
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 for kids - President John Adams
John Adams called the
Alien and Sedition Acts "war measures." President Adams signed the
Acts into law on July 14, the anniversary of the storming of the
Bastille that had begun the French Revolution. The Alien Acts
comprised of two separate acts: The Alien Friends Act and the Alien
Enemies Act. The laws expired on March 3, 1801, the last full day of
his presidential term in office.
Opposition to the
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 for kids - The Democratic-Republicans
The
Democratic-Republican Party were bitterly opposed to the Federalists. Led by
Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and James Madison the Republicans
aimed at representing the poorer Americans and recent immigrants.
Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 - June 18, 1798: The Naturalization Act
On June 18, 1798 the law called the
Naturalization Act was passed. The Naturalization Act required that
aliens (meaning foreigners) had to be residents for 14 years,
instead of 5 years, before they became eligible for U.S.
citizenship. This law meant that immigrants must wait before
obtaining U.S. citizenship and the right to vote.
Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 - June 25, 1798: The Alien Friends Act
On June 25, 1798 the law called the
Alien Friends Act was passed. The
Alien Friends Act authorized the President to deport foreigners
"dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States" during
peacetime. (This law was aimed at foreign spies and the deportation
of any alien who hailed from a country at war with the United
States.)
Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 - July 6, 1798: The Alien Enemy Act
On July 6, 1798 the law called the
Alien Enemy Act was passed. The Alien Enemy Act authorized the
arrest, imprisonment and deportation of any alien subject to an
enemy power, during the time of war. (The Alien Enemy Act was not
used until the
War of 1812.)
Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 - July 14, 1798: The Sedition Act
On July 14, 1798 the law called the
Sedition Act was passed. The Sedition Act declared that any activity
deemed to be treasonable, including the publication of "any false,
scandalous and malicious writing," was a high misdemeanor (crime),
punishable by fine and imprisonment.
The Effect of the Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798
The first three laws, reducing and
denying the rights of immigrants to the United States were never
actioned. However, the fourth law (the Sedition Act), was put into
practice by the Federalists. Over twenty men, most of them editors
of Republican newspapers, were arrested, some were imprisoned and
their newspapers were forced to close. The arrests were made as
their newspapers had printed what the government considered to be
malicious remarks about the president, or government, of the United
States of America. (It should be noted that Thomas Jefferson had established a newspaper
and launched a media campaign against the
Federalist political party, calling them monarchists.) Amongst those
arrested and imprisoned, as was Benjamin Franklin Bache, the editor
of the Aurora and the grandson of Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin
Franklin Bache died awaiting trial.
Reaction to the Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798
The passing of the Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 caused the outrage of US Citizens. The
strength of opposition was so great that the government feared a
bloody and violent uprising and riots, such as the events during the
French Revolution. The laws were believed to be unconstitutional and
in opposition to the US Bill of Rights and the freedom of speech.
President John Adams even feared for his life, as did many
Federalist politicians. The public opposition to the Alien and
Sedition Acts was so immense that they were, in part,
responsible for the election of Thomas Jefferson, a Republican, to
the presidency in 1800.
Opposition to the Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 - Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798 - 1799)
In opposition to the passing of the
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
drafted the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (Resolves).
Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 for kids
The info about the Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 provides interesting facts and
important information about this important event that occured during the presidency of the 2nd President of the United States of America.
DISCLAIMER: This website and any information
contained herein are intended for educational and informational
purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek
competent legal counsel from a lawyer for advice on any legal
matter.
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 for kids - President John Adams Video
The article on the
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 provides an overview of one of the Important issues of his presidential term in office. The following video will give you additional important facts, history and dates about the political events experienced by the 2nd American President whose presidency spanned from March 4, 1797 to March 4, 1801.
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798
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Interesting Facts about the
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 for kids and schools
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Interesting facts
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Facts about the Alien
and Sedition Acts of 1798
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John Adams Presidency from March 4, 1797 to March 4, 1801
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Fast, fun,
interesting facts about the Alien and Sedition Acts of
1798
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Foreign & Domestic
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John Adams Presidency and
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