Washington’s Foreign Policy French Revolution, Neutrality Proclamation, Jay’s Treaty

French Revolution The French Revolution broke out several years after the Americans won independence. Reasons to revolt: Peasants and middle class paid heavy taxes, while nobles paid none. Reformers wanted a constitution to limit the king’s power and protect basic rights. The Revolution ended the monarchy. “Reign of Terror” – execute king and queen and thousands of French citizens By the end, war broke out in Europe between France and Britain Marie Antoinette

Taking Sides between France and Britain The different sides: Americans who supported the Revolution French citizens who believe that the French should be able to use U.S. ports to attack the British Advisers to Washington who support U.S. neutrality (not taking sides) Why would you support each side?

The Sides Some Americans supported the Revolution because they knew what it meant to struggle for liberty, France was their first ally, and they admired the Marquis de Lafayette. France wanted to use ports to attack British ships and believed they should because they helped the Americans gain independence and signed a treaty with us. Advisors to Washington suggested neutrality because if they allowed France to use their ports, than they would lose trade with Britain.

United States Remains Neutral! Due to the French Revolution, Washington had to create a foreign policy- the actions that a nation takes in relation to other countries The issue of neutrality caused conflict in his Cabinet Hamilton argued that since the U.S. signed the treaty with Louis XVI and he was dead, that the treaty was no longer valid. Jefferson urged strict acceptance of the treaty. After much debate, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation – stated that the U.S. would not support either side in the war and forbade Americans from aiding either Britain or France. (This eventually was one of the reasons Jefferson left the Cabinet.)

Struggling to Remain Neutral America still wanted to trade with both sides. However, the warring nations seized American ships headed for each others ports. In 1793, the British seized more than 250 American ships trading in the French Indies. Americans called for war but Washington knew we were weak. He sent John Jay to England to negotiate. Jay’s Treaty: Britain to pay damages for seized ships and to give up the forts it still held in the West. America in turn had to pay debts owed to British merchants. His treaty sparked protest because it did nothing to protect the rights of ships (INEFFECTIVE)

Washington’s Farewell Before retiring in 1796, Washington warned America that they should not become involved in European affairs. He did not oppose foreign trade, but he did reject alliances that would pull America into war. His advice guided foreign policy for many years.