1789.—First Congress. Ten Amendments to the Constitution passed. Departments of Government organized. Washington appoints a National Thanksgiving. April 14.—George Washington declared the first President of the United States. Ratio of Representatives, 30,000; Members of Congress 65.
1789.—Many Treaties with the Indians. Hamilton recommends the first Tariff; passed and approved.
1790.—The territory south of the Ohio river ceded to the United States. Naturalization Law passed. Treason defined and penalty determined. First Census, 3,929,326. System of Finance adopted; Government assumes State Debts; Public Debt funded; Seat of government removed from New York to Philadelphia.
1791.—First United States bank established at Philadelphia; Capital, $10,000,000. First Tax on Distilled Spirits.
1792.—U. S. Mint established. Apportionment Bill passed, fixing ratio of Representation at, 33,000; 103 members in Congress. Uniform system of Militia established. Post Office department organized anew.
1793.—Washington again inaugurated President. Neutrality declared in regard to France. First Fugitive Slave Law passed. French Minister Gernet recalled by request of Government; returns to organize Democratic or Jacobin Societies.
1794.—Commercial Treaty concluded with Great Britain. The Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. Regulation of Slave Trade by law. A sixty days Embargo as a retaliation on British “Order in Council.”
1795.—Second Naturalization Law passed. Jay’s Commercial Treaty with Great Britain. Treaty of Madrid. Disagreement of the United States with Algeria.
1796.—Washington’s Farewell Address. Contest between the President and House over the British Treaty. John Adams elected President.
1797.—Congress declares the treaties with France annulled. Privateering against friendly nations forbidden.