The Right Man For The Job : 1790

I had an entire for a series of threads where we break down American history by decade, discuss the problems facing the country each decade, and then try to come to a conclusion of which politician of that time would be best suited to handle these various problems.

First we begin with the 1790s. The Constitution is still new, Hamilton's bankig plan is causing some division, there's the Whiskey Rebellion and the French Revolution, and a steadily rising two party system despite Washington's best efforts.

In my opinion, the two party system was a given. I think that Washington's neutrality on everything was actually a but frustrating so I would prefer a more decisive President.

There is a bit of discussion that could be had about Hamilton's plan. Banking did become a pretty big monster over the years, but I think it might've been helpful for the early nation so I could be persuaded either way on that one.

And then there's the issue of France or Britain. While this is perhaps more of an issue come the 1800s and 1810s, I can see the benefits of both as long as America could get either of those countries to actually respect them (a big ask, I know).
 
You have to remember that no one was as trusted as Washington. Any other man would have been unable to unite the northern and southern fractions of the US.
 
So, who are our candidates? All of these gents?

You have to remember that no one was as trusted as Washington. Any other man would have been unable to unite the northern and southern fractions of the US.
Pretty much any politician of the era could be used. Even minor PODs are allowed such as the one in Laurens Lives.

I do understand the benefits of Washington, but I would like to discuss everything first. Does the bank, the whiskey tax, the neutrality, etc all make sense? Should we have been building up an army in this time period?
 
Besides Washington there's also the question of John Adams presidency. IMO the Alien and Sedition Acts were a pretty big mistake, which Jefferson quickly turned around.

Perhaps Benjamin Franklin could make a good president?
 
Clearly I should have just picked the choices beforehand and made a poll - everyone loves polls! But my goal was more about discussing history. Ah well, I'll try to be back with this very soon.
 

B-29_Bomber

Banned
On the issue of diplomatic neutrality, the United States of the 1790s was not ready for a major European conflict.

And the United States was doing a modest military build up, mostly with a the Navy, but Thomas Jefferson gutted it when he became President.
 
What are the problems facing the United States in the 1790s and who would be the perfect period politician who could face these issues?

Interestingly, the problems that led to the First Barbary War are not in themselves evident in the 1790s as the USA thought they had a settlement already. It was of course an imperfect settlement and would later collapse, since it was based essentially in blackmail and a willingness to pay this.

Perhaps the biggest problem is to try to stay out of the general European war, and to avoid being attacked by anyone who can power project. Associated with this is the position of, especially French and Spanish, European possessions in North America. It is not obvious that these will cease, but what the USA needs to do is prevent them falling to the British.
 
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