Creating a Foreign Policy Section 2 Creating a Foreign Policy

I. French Revolution 1789, French ships sailed in American ports with news that on July 14 an angry mob in Paris had destroyed the Bastille. The attack started the French Revolution. French peasants and middle class rebelled against Louis XVI over taxes. They wanted to reform the monarchs power and protect their natural rights.

II. Responses to the French Revolution American, at first, supported the Revolution because they knew what it meant to struggle for liberty. They were conflicted because the French were their first ally during the War. American Support dropped off in 1793 when the revolution turned bloody and both the king and queen were beheaded.

III. Division over French Revolution Thomas Jefferson supported France 1. Condemned the beheading of the King and Queen 2. Felt the citizens had right to use violence in order to gain freedom. B. Alexander Hamilton and John Adams did not support France. 1. Felt that violence was not the answer 2. It would not help create the Democracy France hoped for.

IV. U.S. Remains Neutral Faced with the idea of a war in Europe, Washington had to decide on a foreign policy. France still wanted to use our ports to supply its ships and launch attacks on British ships. (allies since American Revolution) Treaty caused issues in the Cabinet: 1. Hamilton said treaty was invalid since the king was dead. 2. Jefferson said it was valid because the treaty was with the people not the king. Washington decided the US would remain Neutral in the European conflict. Neutrality Proclamation 1793- said US would not support either side and forbade Americans from aiding either side.

V. Struggle to remain Neutral A. Remaining neutral in the war in Europe was easier said than done. B. Americans wanted to trade with both Britain and France. 1. Both countries would seize American cargo headed to the other country. 1793- British captured more than 250 American ships trading in the French West Indies. Americans called for war; Washington knew we were too weak to fight. Chief Justice John Jay was sent to Britain for talks.

F. Jay’s Treaty Jay called for Britain to pay for damages done to American ships. Britain agreed and also agreed to give up the remaining forts in the West. Americans had to pay back long-owed debt to Britain. G. Jay’s Treaty was approved in 1795 which kept US out of war.

VI. 1796- Washington published his Farewell Address. A. He advised Americans from getting involved in European affairs that would drag them into war. B. Did not oppose foreign trade C. His advice guided American foreign policy for many years .