The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.23
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1798 medal: Alien and Sedition Acts Curtail Liberties
Expecting war with France, Congress in 1798 passed the Alien and Sedition Acts to suppress European immigrants and refugees.
The Naturalization Act of June 18 changed from five to 14 years the period of residence required for citizenship. It was repealed in 1802 after Jefferson became President.
The Alien Acts of June 25 and July 6 empowered the President to deport any aliens deemed dangerous to public peace and safety. In case of war, alians of an enemy country might be arrested, imprisoned or banished. These two acts were never enforced before they expired, although some Frenchmen were frightened into leaving the country.
The Sedition Act passed on July 14 was a double-barreled in purpose. Ostensibly, the Act was aimed at alien Frenchmen who were favorable to the new Anti-Federalist or Republican Party. It forbade aliens or citizens to enter into conspiracies or attempts to interfere with the execution of U.S laws, to intimidate federal officers, or to attempt insurrection. These measures had merit but it was under the clause forbidding any false or malicious writing against the government, Congress or the President that ten persons, all of them Republicans, were fined and imprisoned. By this means the Federalists hoped to stifle an opposing political party.
That only Republicans were charged shows the true intent of this muzzling; Federalist criticism of Vice President Jefferson was ignored. After awhile, this persecution backfired and the victims were treated as martyrs and heroes. One was Matthew Lyon, Republican Representative from Vermont. he was fined $1000 and jailed for writing against the Federalists. While still in jail he had so much popular support that he was reelected to Congress.
The Kentucky resolutions, passed on November 16, followed by the Virginia resolutions on December 24, took the position that the Federal Government had only limited and Constitutional powers. These resolutions against the Alien and Sedition Acts were forwarded to other State legislatures but recieved a cool reception. The Act expired March 3, 1801.
