PRESIDENTIAL DILEMMAS TCI CHAPTER 12

Washington’s Foreign Policy He believed: BE AWARE, BE CAUTIOUS Standing armies can be dangerous & expensive Militia will handle threats Borders of USA: North = British Canada Ohio Valley = British & unfriendly natives South & west = Spanish controlled FL and LA In 1793 War between France & Britain 1788: U.S. signed treaty of support to France President Washington believed U.S. not ready or equipped for war Neutrality: no involvement of aid to either France or Britain Isolationism: avoid alliances with other countries

Adam’s Foreign Policy Tried to honor Washington’s Neutrality & Isolationism theories Foreign pressures & interference would not leave the U.S. alone

Adam’s Dilemma: Jay’s Treaty 1794 Agreement between US and Great Britain Great Britain remove troops from Ohio River Valley US can begin trade with Britain France was infuriated US didn’t go to war with GB and felt Jay’s Treaty was a violation of US treaty with them French Response France begins attacking U.S. merchant ships

Adam’s Dilemma: XYZ Affair 1798 Adams attempt to repair relationship with France (to stock attacking ships) Bribery scandal with France Mr. X, Mr. Y, Mr. Z (French agents) $250,000 to “chat” with Talleyrand (France Foreign Minister) American Response = Supports War “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute!” Tribute = money given to someone in exchange for that person’s protection Adams Response = Pursues Peace Creates 1st official effort for Navy In 1800 Adams made peace with France to avoid war – lost popularity with voters

Thomas Jefferson: The Man Served from 1801-1809 3rd President of the U.S. Republican From VA Accomplishments include Louisiana Purchase (1803) Louis & Clark Expedition (1804 – 1806) Battling Barbary Pirates

Jefferson's Foreign Policy Both France & Great Britain were at war and each wanted the US to take their side. Jefferson also tried to honor Washington’s Neutrality & Isolationism theories

Jefferson’s Dilemma: Trouble at Sea Impressment: Kidnapping of American sailers by GB and forcing them to work on British vessels Became a problem while US was to be remaining “neutral” Leopard (GB) v. Chesapeake (USA) When USA refused to let GB search ship for deserters GB opened fire….causing war fever

Jefferson’s Dilemma: Piracy & The Barbary Wars Undeclared war waged by U.S. against the North African states of Morocco, Tripoli, Algiers, and Tunis Principle Cause Pirates attacking American shipping vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and seeking “tributes” 1801 to 1805 Did not completely end the acts of piracy against American vessels Effect: Proved U.S. was capable of waging war, if necessary, in places far from its own shores