1796

The 4th Congress is elected, with the Federalist Party retaining a majority in the Senate, while also being the party with the most seats in the Assembly. However, the Libertarians and the Republicans combined have the majority. This three way split of the Assembly causes compromises in most legislative matters. Federalists and Libertarians begin to work on legislation to prohibiting the expansion of the institution of slavery.
  A slave revolt begins in the Carolinas, being inspired by the lack of suppression of the Haitian Revolt and causing hysteria among Southerners. The revolt prolongs for more than a month before being suppressed by the local military. Memoirs of the rebels written by supporters are posthumously made public, bringing to light many of the conditions that slaves endure. Abolition movements grow in numerous states, and boycotts of slave produced goods begins.
  The War of the First Coalition begins to come to an end, with many European nations either exiting or switching sides. Support for France in America continues to decline, for various reasons. France begins to target American merchant vessels, sparking cries for war.