Deep Dive: Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 (11/02/2024)

Timeline of Events

1789:
The French Revolution begins, leading to unrest in Europe and influencing political discourse in the newly formed United States.
The Tariff Act of 1789 is passed, establishing tariffs as the primary source of revenue for the federal government.

1798:
June 18 - July 14: Amid rising tensions with France, the Federalist-controlled Congress passes the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Naturalization Act (June 18), Alien Friends Act (June 25), Alien Enemies Act (June 25), and Sedition Act (July 14) are signed into law by President John Adams.
The Quasi-War, an undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France, takes place.
Widespread protests against the Alien and Sedition Acts occur across the country.
November: David Brown and others erect a liberty pole in Dedham, MA, protesting the Acts. Brown is later arrested and severely punished.
Many French nationals residing in the U.S., fearing deportation, choose to leave the country voluntarily.

1799:
June: David Brown is tried and sentenced for his role in protesting the Alien and Sedition Acts.
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, secretly authored by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, are passed by their respective state legislatures, denouncing the Alien and Sedition Acts.

1800:
Matthew Lyon, a Democratic-Republican congressman, is indicted and convicted under the Sedition Act for criticizing the Adams administration.
James Thomson Callender, a journalist, is indicted and convicted under the Sedition Act for his book criticizing the Adams administration.
The Sedition Act expires.
Thomas Jefferson defeats John Adams in the presidential election, largely due to public backlash against the Alien and Sedition Acts.

1801:
Thomas Jefferson pardons individuals convicted under the Sedition Act.
Congress repays the fines imposed on those convicted under the Sedition Act.

1802:
The Naturalization Act of 1798 is repealed.

Post 1802:
The Alien Enemies Act remains in effect and is invoked by various presidents during times of war, including James Madison during the War of 1812, Woodrow Wilson during World War I, Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, and potentially Donald Trump in his proposed second term.

2024:
Donald Trump, campaigning for president, pledges to invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport undocumented immigrants and combat criminal networks. His proposal reignites debate about tariffs and their effectiveness in modern society.