Washington Part II

Foreign Affairs French Revolution (1789) The Treaty of 1778 created an alliance between France and the US.   When the Jacobins seized control of France in 1793 they declared war on Great Britain. Democratic Republicans, like Jefferson and Madison, wanted to honor the Treaty of 1778 and support France while Federalists like Hamilton wanted to support Britain. Washington eventually issued a statement of neutrality, stating the US would not support either side. Thomas Jefferson resigned from Washington’s cabinet after being criticized for supporting France.

Foreign Affairs, cont. Pinkney’s Treaty (1795) – Treaty with Spain Spain agreed to recognize the 31st parallel as the southern border of the US.   Spain gave up all land claims east of the Mississippi, except Florida. Spain opened the Port of New Orleans to US citizens

Native American and British Resistance in the Northwest Territory (modern Midwest) US forces defeated the Miami Confederacy at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.   British forts had been maintained in the NW territory after the Revolution. After defeating the Miami Confederacy, the US began to build forts in the territory, also. Jay’s Treaty – Chief Justice John Jay negotiated a treaty with Britain which gave the US control of the Northwest Territory. Many US citizens opposed the treaty because it allowed British fur traders to continue to operate in the territory.

In 1796 Washington chose not to seek a third term as president. established to precedent of a two term limit In his farewell speech, Washington warned his successors to “steer clear of permanent alliances” with other nations. (stay neutral) Washington also warned of “partisanship”