Early Challenges for Washington Chapter 8, Section 2

Whiskey Rebellion Under Hamilton’s economic plan, certain items began being taxed. One such item was whiskey. Whiskey was made from extra corn farmers had left over from their harvest. Hamilton’s tax led to a rebellion by farmers in western Pennsylvania. This would be known as the Whiskey Rebellion.

Whiskey Rebellion CAUSE: Farmers are being taxed by the government on certain goods. Whiskey is one such item. EFFECT: July 1794, A mob of people armed with swords, guns and pitchforks attack tax collectors and begin burning buildings. RESULTS: President Washington immediately crushed the rebellion with the American military and militia. Washington showed the new strength that the national government now possessed.

French Revolution In 1789, France went through its own revolution. Like the Americans they were fighting against a monarchy and inequality Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood Quickly becomes a bloodbath.

French Revolution Reign of Terror- rebel group called Jacobins execute 17,000 people War for democracy U.S. struggles to stay neutral Federalists support stronger central govt. Fear democracy Thomas Jefferson and supporters back the freedom fighters.

Problems in the West Washington’s government began experiencing problems in the west mainly with Native Americans To make things worse, Native Americans began seeking aid from the British and Spanish.

Battle of Fallen Timbers CAUSE: Native Americans demand that all settlers leave the land north of the Ohio River. EFFECT: Washington sends large numbers of armed troops (under the command of General Anthony Wayne) and defeats a resistance of 1,000 Native Americans. RESULT: Treaty of Greenville (Native Americans surrender the land in present day Ohio)

Back to Europe In 1793 Britain and France went to war in Europe. In the South, many American’s sympathized with France. However, in the north, many manufacturers and merchants sided with Britain due to trade. Washington said that the United States would remain neutral and not take the side of either country…….this would prove to be difficult.

Proclamation of Neutrality Cause: France and Britain go to war in Europe. Effect: Washington declares neutrality. Prohibited American citizens from fighting and did not allow foreign ships to use American ports. Result: British begin attacking U.S. merchant ships, stealing the cargo and also initiate impressment (forcing the crew into the British navy).

Jay’s Treaty President Washington decides to make one last attempt to settle relations with Britain peacefully. He sent chief justice John Jay to work out a settlement with the British. The British were willing to listen. They did not want the U.S. to enter the war on the side of France.

Jay’s Treaty Cause: British taking control of U.S. merchant ships. Effect: Chief Justice John Jay meets with British officials. British agree to pay damages on seized ships, allow American ships to trade with British colonies in the Caribbean and Canada. Britain dismantles forts on American soil. Result: British soldiers leave American soil and return to Canada. Some Americans were angry because the treaty did not address impressment.

Pinckney’s Treaty Following Jay’s Treaty, the Spanish worried that the U.S. and Britain may work together against the Spanish Empire in North America. Spain quickly wanted a treaty of their own. Thomas Pinckney was sent to Spain by George Washington to work out a deal.

Pinckney’s Treaty Cause: Spain wanted to protect their empire in North America. Effect: Spain and U.S. agree to treaty Result: Gave Americans free navigation of the Mississippi River and the right to trade in New Orleans