HIST 150 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Matthew Lyon
Document Summary
Spring of 1798 adams and the federalists prepare country for war by tripling size of american army with washington as commander. They expand size of navy giving it new war ships. The u. s. starts fighting back by capturing french ships. Summer of 1798 adams and congress pass 4 acts limiting freedoms of speech, press, and foreigners in u. s. Naturalization act- extended period of residence required from 7 years to 14 years to apply for citizenship. Start hearing flashes of nativism- immigrants shouldn"t be in u. s. Alien act & alien enemies act authorized pres to imprison aliens if he suspects them of wrong doing or can deport them during times of war. Sedition act- provided for heavy fines or imprisonment of anyone critical of the gov"t or its activities. They use the sedition act to defeat their opposition. Mostly republicans that tried to fight back and the federalists hushed them.
