Jefferson continues to rank highly among U.S. presidents. Seeking a return to private life, Jefferson resigned the cabinet position in December 1793, perhaps to bolster his political influence from outside the administration.After the Washington administration negotiated the Jay Treaty with Great Britain (1794), Jefferson saw a cause around which to rally his party and organized a national opposition from Monticello. The treaty, designed by Hamilton, aimed to reduce tensions and increase trade. Jefferson warned that it would increase British influence and subvert republicanism, calling it 'the boldest act [Hamilton and Jay] ever ventured on to undermine the government'. The Treaty passed, but it expired in 1805 during Jefferson's administration and was not renewed. The U.S. began an undeclared naval war with France known as the Quasi-War.During the Adams presidency, the Federalists rebuilt the military, levied new taxes, and enacted the Alien and Sedition Acts.
n/a
n/a