1790Noteworthy Events-- The conspiracy by Samuel Jay to assassinate the President
dominates the headlines in the United States and Britain for many months. After trying to return to the United States,
Jay is arrested and thrown into prison as the federal judiciary is being set up. In the coming years, his trial is sure to test the new courts.
-- The U.S. House
narrowly rejects a bill to establish a national bank, which is seen as a "stinging defeat" for the Federalist party. The
Federalists try again, but is
met with opposition once again.
-- President Washington announces his
nominations for the Supreme Court and
sets up his cabinet.
-- Internal
divisions within the Federalist Party continue and eventually result
in a group of Federalists, led by the Deputy Speaker of the House,
forming a new party. The National Democracy Party
remained competitive during the
1790 elections.
-- King Louis XVI
tries to cling to the throne of France amid the beginnings of the French revolution. Meanwhile, the National Constituent Assembly
grows more polarized and radical.
-- The Seminole campaign continues as militia units from around the country
are called to service in the south. At the battle of Suwanee Village, Colonel William Charles Bathurst of New Hampshire
made headlines by raiding and burning a sizable native village. Bathurst
was criticized for his actions by some papers.
-- The
1790 election sent 21 Federalists, 23 Republicans, 10 National Democrats, and 13 Independents to the 2nd Congress.
Mood of the Nation--
Moderate-- Many citizens share President Washington's concerns about the ferocity of the political debates between the 3 parties, but the situation is seen by some as unavoidable.
-- The economy of the United States
continues to grow.
Famous Quotes"Every other nation on Earth has a central financial authority such as a national bank. You cannot exist without one." -- Congressman Andrew Beaumont's (F-SC) (Debate of HB 1.026 National Bank System Act of 1790)
"Democracy, it is important to state, is not the same thing as mob rule. In fact, democratic Athens had far more political stability and order than Republican Rome, and never entered into a state of tyranny through domestic machinations in the way that Rome did." -- Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives Gordon Hughes (F-NH) (Editorial in
The New England Blue Star)
"Peace in Pennsylvania! Sovereignty for Pennsylvania! Prosperity for Pennsylvania!" -- Title of an election editorial by Congressman Elijah Surratt (R-VA) in the
Pennsylvania Gazette"We did not a fight a war for northern independence or southern independence. We fought for independence for all colonies. We did not have a constitutional convention for a few states, we had a constitutional convention for all the states to be united as one nation." -- Congressman Thaddeus Steward (F-MD) (Election editorial in the
Connecticut Courant)
Player Of the YearThe player of the year for 1790 is
Gordon Battle Hughes. He earns this award for his portrayal of three characters, each of which earned recognition this year. Hughes was essentially the first Speaker of the House, created a successful third party, and received an invitation to join the cabinet of President George Washington. Bathurst has had success in the Seminole campaign. Finally, Raines is the successful editor of the
New England Blue Star.